Dorchester's Lonnie Karl Passes

Lonnie Robert Karl, 62, passed away peacefully at his home in Dorchester on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013. Born Aug. 28, 1950 in Crete to Robert and Velma (Schachenmeyer) Karl. Lonnie was a hard-working, dedicated husband, father and brother, who always did whatever needed to be done, typically without asking for help. He sacrificed much for his family, which he always put first, and asked for nothing in return.

Lonnie was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete. He graduated from Crete High School in 1968. Soon after, Lonnie found employment at the Crete Mills where he served as a maintenance technician for 43 years before retiring this past September. He treasured the many friends he made at work over the decades.

Lonnie's passion was farming, which he started in the early 1970's with his father-in-law, Alvin Mariska, before assuming full responsibility of the family farm in 1986. He was particularly proud of his ability to integrate new innovations on his Saline County farm while maintaining some of the practices used years ago.

Lonnie was an active member of his community, serving on both the Dorchester Village Board and Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department for eight years in the 1980's and 1990's. He also served as a youth football coach and renovated Dorchester's baseball park in the 1980's.

Lonnie is survived by his wife of nearly 43 years, Joyce, and their son and daughter, Jamie and Shannon, both of Lincoln. Other survivors include sister and brother-in-law, Trudy and Dennis Odvody, Pleasant Dale; brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Jo Karl, Lincoln; brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Sandi Karl, Crete; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy and Cecil Roth, Milford; and nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Velmas, and sister, Barbara, as well as mother and father-in-law, Al and Donna (Sehnert) Mariska.

Funeral service: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete. Memorials to the family for later designation.