Cornelius W. "Neil" Karel's Obituary
Cornelius W. “Neil” Karel, age 79, passed away Friday, December 18, 2020. He was born January 25, 1941 in Muskegon to Henry and Martha (Hopma) Karel Sr. Neil was a U.S. Navy Veteran and served in the Navy for 20 years as an aviation electronics technician. He was a member of the American Legion Post #9. Following the Navy, he worked for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier for 25 years prior to his retirement. On June 21, 2014, he married Sharon Lubbers in Muskegon. Neil was a member of Fifth Reformed Church where he was a Cadet Leader for 35 years and also taught Sunday School. Neil had a passion for antique cars; he loved to tinker with them and most of all drive them. He loved playing in the dirt, whether it was to garden or work on his blueberry farm. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife, Sharon. SURVIVORS include his wife, Sharon; 2 children: Carlena (Ben) Garcia of N. Muskegon and Christopher (Juli) Karel of South Korea; 7 grandchildren: Alexa and Drake Karel, Christopher, Maya, Alberto, Aroldo, and Denia Garcia; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Henry (Dayle) Karel; sister, Martha “Marty” (Rich) Addison; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Claudia Karel; parents; sister, Jean Karel; brother, Marvin Karel; and nephew, Kevin Karel. Burial will take place in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. A PUBLIC VISITATION for Neil will be from 10 AM until 11:45 AM Saturday, December 26, 2020 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing, a maximum of 25 guests will be allowed in the building at one time. A PRIVATE family service will be held. He will be laid to rest at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Harbor Hospice Foundation or Fifth Reformed Church will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
To view Karl's Funeral, please click this link: https://youtu.be/7IpB8186lOc
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