Bruce R. Karnes

Bruce R. Karnes, 90, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, August 09, 2006 at CrownPointe Senior Living Community in Stevensville. Private Family Services will be held at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation, Berrien County Cancer Service or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mr. Karnes was born April 4, 1916 in Chicago to George & Bessie (Robertson) Karnes. Bruce had an interest in boating since the age of nine. He joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1939 and remained a member until last year, serving as Captain of Division 18, and holding the distinction of the most years of membership in the Auxiliary history. Bruce joined the US Coast Guard in 1941 and served until 1946. He owned several boats over the years, and the family vacation, often consisted of boating on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, the waterways of Canada, and many other places. On April 12, 1941, Bruce married the former Frances Haskin in Wilmette, Illinois. He was employed by Whirlpool Corporation, retiring in 1982 as an industrial engineer, after 33 years of employment. Bruce was a member of First United Methodist Church, volunteered at Lakeland Hospital, and served on the board of directors of Berrien County Cancer Service for 30 years. Mr. Karnes is survived by his wife of 65 years Frances; four children-Larry (Susan) Karnes of Mason, MI, Judy Karnes of St. Joseph, Wendy (Robert) Bowen of San Marcos, CA, Don (Kim) Karnes of St. Joseph; ten grandchildren-Tracy (Aaron) Lindsley, David B. Karnes, Kelly Brown, John A. Karnes, Jessica, Tyler, & Abigail Karnes, Robert Bowen III, Jason & Tracey Bowen; his sister Dorothy (Louis) Carque of LaPorte, IN; sister-in-law-Isabel (Lewis) Stryker of Benton Harbor; one nephew and three nieces.