Henry Karel Jr.'s Obituary
Henry Karel, Jr., devoted husband, father, papa, brother, and uncle, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 15, 2024, after being diagnosed with ALS in 2018. He was born October 9, 1937, in Muskegon to Henry and Martha (Hopma) Karel and was a life-long resident of the area. On December 6, 1963, he married Dayle Hollar at Westwood Reformed Church, and together they enjoyed almost 61 wonderful years of marriage. Henry graduated from Muskegon High School in 1955 and earned an associates degree in horticultural science at Michigan State University. He worked for several flower shops in Muskegon and Flint, Michigan, while in high school and college, including Muskegon Floral and Lane Flower Shop respectively. After graduating from MSU in 1957, he worked at Wasserman's Flower Shop in Muskegon. In 1961, he joined the Army and served as Military Police at Fort Lewis, Washington. After completing active duty, he returned to Muskegon in 1963 and worked again for Wasserman's before getting a full-time job at the US post office and starting Karel's House of Flowers on Grand Haven Road, and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserves in 1967. In 1979, Henry and Dayle bought Bob Moore Florist; in 1983, they bought Cooper Flower Shop, and it became Cooper-Moore Florist on Peck Street in Muskegon Heights. They enjoyed serving their community providing beautiful floral arrangements for over 27 years until they retired in 2006. After their retirement, they enjoyed volunteering as ushers at the Frauenthal Theatre and growing a large garden and sharing the bounty with many. In retirement, Henry worked part-time for the Muskegon Rescue Mission thrift stores until 2014, when he began volunteering weekly at Project Hope in Dorr, Michigan. He loved making arrangements and centerpieces, along with seasonal decorations and displays for nonprofits to sell, as well as woodworking, making furniture and other gifts and decorations for friends and family. He was a faithful member of Olivet Evangelical Free Church since 1976, where he was actively involved with the Southern & Franklin Youth Choir, served as an Awana Cubbies leader, and as the church decorator for over 30 years.
SURVIVORS include two children: Stephen (Debra) Karel and Jennifer (Vincent) Carlson, both of Muskegon; six grandchildren: Martha (Eddie) Messer, Lydia (Jeremy) Newton, Anna Sleeper, Simon (Elizabeth) Karel, Gordon Sleeper, and Samuel (girlfriend Christy Escobar) Karel; and four great-grandchildren: Makenna and Kylen Messer, James Newton and Elaine Karel; step-granddaughter, Jessica (Alex) Gosselin; sister Marty (Rich) Addison and sister-in-law, Sharon Karel, as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dayle, who lovingly cared for him after his ALS diagnosis until her death in August 2024; his parents, in-laws, and siblings: Jean Baker, Cornelius (Claudia) Karel, and Marvin (Barb) Karel.
VISITATION will be 5:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, December 26, 2024, and 10:00 am on Friday, December 27, 2024, with the SERVICE on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 11:00 am. Visitation and the service will be held at Olivet Evangelical Free Church, 6790 Harvey St, Spring Lake, MI 49456. He will be laid to rest at Restlawn Cemetery. MEMORIALS to the Susan Mast ALS Foundation will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100
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