Elwyn E. Karau

Elwyn Ernest Karau, longtime resident of Kewanee, died peacefully at the home of his daughter and son-in-law on December 19, 2019.  He had lived in North Carolina since 2010 to be close to and enjoy his family.

Elwyn was born on November 22, 1923 to E. Louis and Edna (Blaine) Karau.  He was a loving and loyal son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to so many over his 96 years. He attended Kewanee Public Schools and graduated from Kewanee High School in 1941.  Elwyn also attended Kewanee Business College.

During World War II, he proudly served his country in the Merchant Marines and was a graduate of the U.S. Maritime Academy in New London, Conn. with a commission as a Marine Engineer.  He served in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, and he received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Coast Guard.  He was able to enjoy many events and celebrations honoring veterans while living in North Carolina, and a WWII Flight of Honor to Washington D.C. was certainly a memorable event for him and our family.

Elwyn worked in various auto dealerships as Parts and Service Managers, and was active in the Tri-County area Parts and Service Managers Clubs.  He retired January 1, 1985, and enjoyed many years of traveling and helping friends and family in St. Peter’s Church and in the community.

He was married to Ada Litton in December of 1950.  She passed away in January of 1976.  A daughter, Kathleen (Gordon) Butler, survives with two granddaughters, Kelsey (Ben) Moore and Lindsay (Nick) Dentel, and six great grandchildren, Tucker, Reagan, and Sawyer Moore, and Eden, Anna, and Salem Dentel.

He was married to Mildred Greiert in September of 1980. She passed away in September of 2010.  Also surviving are a stepson, Paul (Barbara) Greiert, and a step-daughter, Linda (Al) Almanza: three grandchildren, Kyle (Heather) Greiert, Lara (Connor) Driscoll, and Pamela (Paul) Savich, and four great grandchildren, Ben and Alex Savich, Ryder Driscoll, and Lincoln Greiert.

Elwyn was also preceded in death by his three brothers; Donald Karau Sr., Dean Karau, who was killed in World War II, and Ralph Karau. Several nieces and nephews survive.

Elwyn was a loyal lifetime member of St. Peter's Evangelical Church where he served as President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Elder at various times. He was also a lifetime member of the V.F.W., and served as a member of the board and treasurer at the Whiting Home.

Arrangements are being provided by Rux Funeral Home and Pastor Robert Curry will officiate. A memorial service will be held graveside on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Pleasant View Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter's Church Shepherd’s Fund, 119 S. Grove St., Kewanee, Illinois 61443, or your local humane society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elwyn E. Karau, please visit our floral store.