Ardoth "Ardy" Karas

Ardoth (Ardy) Karas passed away December 2, 2011 surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was born April 6, 1917, to Frank and Christina (Toman) on the family farm located east of Pine City, Minnesota. Ardy attended School District #30 east of Pine City and went on to attend Pine City High School, graduating in 1935. During his years in elementary and high school, he maintained a perfect attendance record for the entire twelve years. Ardy met Minerva Smith of Grandy, Minnesota, and they were married in Minneapolis on September 26, 1943. They made their first home in Pine City and lived in a small house on Cross Lake. In 1951, they purchased the family farm on Highway 61. They were married for 54 years when Minerva passed away on November 3, 1997. Following graduation from high school, Arby had worked at the Pine City Dairy for a few years and later was employed at the Hanson Creamery in Stanchfield, Minnesota. In 1949, Ardy began working for Land O’ Lakes in Rush City and later was able to transfer to their plant in Pine City. He was in charge of the boilers for drying milk, and would respond to calls during the night if repairs had to be made. Ardy was a first class welder, and following his retirement from Land O’ Lakes in 1984, he continued to do welding on the farm and was always busy. At age 94 he was still welding miscellaneous items on the farm, and continued to live there until September of 2011 when he went to live with his granddaughter, Kristy. Ardy loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed many out of state fishing trips as well as the local lakes and streams, but his real passion was deer hunting. He purchased land in New Dosey Township for that purpose and spent many weekends riding his four wheeler to prepare trails and enjoy the outdoors. Ardy will be remembered as being a very loving and giving father, grandfather, and friend; always being there to lend a helping hand. Christmas was always special, and his family has fond memories of trips for shopping and to see beautifully decorated trees. There were trips to see fireworks, and of course, the annual Pine City Parade, and sharing meals with family and friends. Ardy was preceded in death by his wife, Minerva, his parents Frank and Christina, sisters Helen Lindstrom and Emma Haynes. He is survived by his son Steven (Jenny) Karas of Pine City; daughters: Julie (John) DuPont of Stafford, VA, Nancy (Terry) Gottschalk and Larraine Spencer, all of Pine City; grandchildren: Kristy Olson, Jennifer (Tim) Schlichting, Sarah (Lance) Wilson, Sean DuPont and Jessica (Ian) Iverson; great grandchildren: Derek, Brendan, Ava, Caden, Abigail, Jayden, Ella, Audrey, Annabelle, and Brycen; many nieces and nephews, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. The Reverend Vicki Vander Vegt conducted a memorial service at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City for Ardy Karas. Music was provided by Glenna Reierson and Jennifer Hansmann. Inurnment was at the Birchwood Cemetery in Pine City. Arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service *Swanson Chapel* Pine City, Minnesota