Racine- Karl “Opa” Stanke, age 82, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Saturday, March 2, 2013.
Karl was born in Jamki, Ukraine on March 27, 1930 to Johann and Friederike (nee: Reck) Stanke. At age 7, Karl and his family were forced to flee from Russia to Poland, losing his father along the way. As an orphan, Karl nearly died on several occasions and, at age 14, was forced to serve in the Luftwaffe as a glider pilot. In 1949, at the age of 19, Karl was sponsored by his Aunt and Uncle to come to the United States. He was then drafted into the US Army and faithfully served our country in the Korean War.
On December 13, 1952 in First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Racine, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Doris Anna (nee: Zilke). With a tireless work ethic, Karl was employed as a journeyman tool & die maker at In-Sink-Erator for 40 years-4 months-4 weeks-4 days, when he retired on May 31, 1991.
Karl was an active and proud member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church. He prided himself in the beautiful work he did on the church woodwork, alter restoration and other maintenance. He was a leader of the Lutheran Pioneers and sang with the MGV Harmonia German Men’s Choir. A master of all trades, he was an accomplished carpenter, plumber and electrician – who loved helping out others, never expecting anything in return. Some of his interests included fishing, golfing, camping, photography, auto repair, scuba diving, model airplanes, grilling out, singing and playing the harmonica. He also had perfect handwriting, was a lifelong pilot, spoke several languages fluently, and could make the perfect cherry cheesecake. If Opa didn’t know how to do something…he always found a way to learn. He was a loving husband; devoted father and friend that always volunteered to help others in need. In the words of his beautiful bride…. “he died because he was tired.”
Surviving are his loving wife of over 60 years, Doris; their children, Michael John Stanke, Katherine Anne (Jerry) Rubatt, Anne Marie Koch, Paul Andrew Stanke and John Arnold (Hollie) Stanke; grandchildren, Bryan Koch, Daniel Koch, Army Specialist Krista Coey, Joshua Rubatt, Mitchell Koch, Katlynn “Kiki” Stanke, Rachel Rubatt, and step grandchildren Chris and Michelle; sisters-in-law, Hertha Dederich and Ruth Felgenhauer; many nieces, nephews, and other worldwide relatives.
In addition to his parents, Karl was preceded in death by his beloved son, William Karl Stanke on November 8, 1980; sisters-in-law, Lillian Stacy and Jean Styscko; and brothers-in-law, Ed Stacy, Frank Dederich and James Felgenhauer.
Funeral services celebrating Opa’s life will be held on Friday, March 8, 2013 at 2:00 pm in First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 728 Villa Street. Military honors and a reception will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm (Prayer Service at 7:00 pm including music from his brothers of the MGV Harmonia) and in the church on Friday from 1-2 pm. Private burial will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Wheaton Franciscan Medical Center, especially hospice, for the compassionate care and support given in our Opa’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
Amy Dederich Morgan says
Hugs to you all as we hold you in our thoughts & prayers.
Debra Popelish says
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your devoted husband and father. I loved your Dad. He always made me feel welcome at his home. He raised a beautiful daughter (Anne) who became my best friend, cohort in fun and someone that I miss everyday of my life. I will never forget the lovely wedding photos hat he took of my wedding in 1979. They are among my prized possessions. Even though distance keeps us seperated, know that you are remembered daily in my thoughts and prayers. May your wonderful memories ease your sorrow. Heaven is a better place bacause your dad is there. We will all be together again one day.
Carol (Willie) Talbert says
Dearest Doris and family, I would like to extend my most sincere condolences in your time of loss. I remember Karl, and you Doris, as my aunt Flossie and uncle Johnny’s wonderful neighbors on Wisconsin Avenue when I was a child. It was a beautifully written obit with all the information on Karl’s life and how he made such a very noteworthy mark and touched so many lives. The picture is just exactly as I remember him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Candee Schick says
Doris and Family:
So sorry for your loss. Karl was a great person. Remember the good times that you shared with him. Karl will always be watching over you from heaven.
Love The Schick Family
Mary Dederich McElligott says
Uncle Karl will be remembered for his wonderful bear Hugs.