Louis "Lou" F. Kar III's Obituary
Louis "Lou" Frederick Kar III peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on November 2, 2024, at the age of 84. As a devoted husband, father and Papa Lou to his grandchildren, Lou was known for his craftsmanship, conversation, and his unwavering support for those he loved. His family will miss his sense of humor and the way he would launch into stories with a silly comment just to make them laugh. Lou was a conversationalist and had a story for everything. He not only loved sharing his life experiences, but he always took the time to ask what was happening in their lives. His legacy of kindness and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ellie; his children, Krista (Michael) Harmon, Kathy (Chris) Keiser, Kevin (Marie) Kar, Kevin Holman and Kelley (Bob) Osterman; along with 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; and brother, Ronald Kar. Lou was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Karen Holman, his sister and brother-in-law Jackie and Tim Ritter, and sister-in-law Ann Kar.
Lou was born on July 29,1940 in Port Huron, Michigan to Louis and Grace Kar. He married his sweetheart Ellie, in 1964. After training at Mueller Brass where he became a journeyman patternmaker, he worked at a variety of pattern shops, including Monarch and Anderson. He transitioned to Pac-Lite Products in Marine City as a General Manager where he directed the production of expanded polystyrene for automotive parts, earning QS9000 status.
He was born knowing how things worked. At 17, he took apart the engine of his ‘56 Ford stripping it to the block and rebuilding it so it sounded like an electric engine, and then proceeded to win street races. Lou had a remarkable talent for fixing just about anything and had a passion for woodworking and carving. Lou was a dedicated member of the Port Huron Yacht Club for many years. As an avid sailor, he enjoyed sailing Lake Huron and Lake Michigan with his wife as his first mate on their 25-foot sailboat, 'Starfire’. Lou would often open his home to those in need and was always ready to lend a hand, whether it was helping a neighbor with a repair or someone with a broken vehicle on the side of the road. Most importantly, he cherished the time he spent with his family and his relationship with Jesus, which anchored his life in love, service and faith.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024 11:00 AM, with visitation from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. Pastor Todd Hostetter will officiate the ceremony. A luncheon will follow the service. All are welcome to join in honoring Lou’s life. Interment will follow at Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your charity of choice in Louis’s honor. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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