Anthony Karis

August 12, 1934 - February 21, 2022

Mr. Anthony “Tony” Karis, age 87, of Muskegon, passed away Monday, February 21, 2022. Tony was born on August 12, 1934, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was a graduate of Muskegon High School, where he got the nickname “Cannonball” for his fastball. He went on to work at Brunswick for 33 years, then operated Tony’s Airport Services for several years. Tony also served his country proudly in the US Army. He married the love of his life, Joyce Christianson, on June 18, 1955, and they spent 66 wonderful years of marriage together. Over the years, Tony and Joyce enjoyed raising their three children, snowmobiling, dance parties with friends and neighbors, traveling, and were long-time season ticket holders for Muskegon hockey. In his spare time, Tony liked woodworking, making several frames which he displayed family pictures. He also looked forward to summer pool parties with the whole family and especially loved attending sporting events and activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family was everything to Tony. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gust and Mary Karis and stepmother, Georgia Karis. Tony will be missed by his loving wife, Joyce; children, Mark (Lisa) Karis, Greg (Carol) Karis, and Mary (Bruce) Wierda; grandchildren, Allison (Kevin) Harrington, Britney Karis (Marcus Rodgers), Brandon (Kelly) Karis, Amanda (James) Collett, Heather (Nate) Johnson, Ashley (Justin) Melchert, Melissa (Derek) Hicks, and Shelly (Devon) Johnson; and 17 great-grandchildren who loved and will miss their Papou. Tony will also be missed by brothers, Paul (Mary Ann) Karis, Bill (Jeanne) Karis, Othon (Kristi) Karis; special cousins, Marcia (Paul) Pinault and Harry (Nancy) Karis plus several nieces and nephews. Per Tony’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE will be announced later this summer. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. MEMORIALS in memory of Tony may be directed to the American Heart Association. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com