Alfred R. Karow
| Alfred R. Karow, 778th 16 April 2008 |
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Alfred R. Karow of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died Wednesday, 16 April 2008 at Tendercare of Portage. Al was born June 8, 1920 in Saginaw, Michigan, one of seven children, to Robert and Helen (Diechman) Karow.
He was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps serving during World War II in the Anti-submarine Command out of Langley Field, Virginia and Galveston, Texas. He was also a member of the 464th Bombardment Group (Heavy), serving in North Africa and Italy. Al was shot down over Cannes, France and was a prisoner of war in Germany for one year.
After the war, on 11 September 1948, he married Isabel Colthorp in Saginaw. Al attended Michigan State University on the G.I. Bill and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He worked for three years at the Illinois Tool Works in Elgin, Illinois, and then for National Water Lift Abex for 28 years, retiring as head of the Metallurgical Laboratory.
Al was a member of the Greenwood Reformed Church, and enjoyed church activities and friends. Al also liked fishing, photography, bridge, travel, and his computer.
Surviving are his wife, Isabel; three children, Laura Leyanna of Swartz Creek, Richard Karow of Houston, Texas, and Joseph (Violet) Karow of Fullerton, Calif.; one grandson, Jason Leyanna; one brother, Robert (Christena) Karow of Owosso; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Saturday at Greenwood Reformed Church, 1815 Winton Ave, with Rev. Jonathan Loper officiating. Interment with military honors were held in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Greenwood Reformed Church or a charity of one's choice.