Richard Allen Karner, formerly of Kansas City, Mo., passed away Nov. 27, 2010, in Denver. Rabbis Joe Black and Steven Foster officiated at the Nov. 29 service held at Temple Emanuel. Interment followed at Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Mr. Karner was born Nov. 13, 1927, in Kansas City to the late Sarah Hillel and Alvin Karner.
An exceptional athlete who lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track, he graduated Paseo High.
A scout with the New York Yankees offered Richard the opportunity to play with a Yankee farm team, but his father said, No, my son is going to college.
The war interrupted those plans.
For two years, Mr. Karner served under Gen. Douglas MacArthur with the first troops ordered to Japan.
After his discharge, he went to Park College in Parkville, Mo., and Kansas University in Lawrence.
He joined his fathers factory manufacturing athletic uniforms and white goods.
A bowler with Bnai Brith in Kansas City, he often carried a 200 average. One year he and his partner won the Missouri State Bowling Championship in both scratch and handicap.
Mr. Karner arrived in Denver during a Labor Day blizzard in 1961 and quickly went to work in the garment industry.
He married Jean Fox Kelne, also from Kansas City, on Aug. 4, 1962.
Owner of Karner Manufacturing Co. for several years, he and sons Gary and David entered into a pawn business partnership with the late Pine Strear.
Mr. Karner played golf at HeatherRidge Country Club and continued bowling with Bnai Brith. He and his wife Jean bowled for many years with the Tuesday Niters.
The couple took several golfing trips and traveled to Europe and Israel.
Mr. Karner is survived by Jean, his wife of 48 years; daughters Leslie Grady of Overland Park, Kan., Norma (Robert) Tulper of Denver, Gary (Penny) Karner and David Karner, both of Denver; Grandchildren Mitchell (Lauren) Tulper, Shaun Tulper and Leland (Jacqueline) Tulper; great-grandchildren Tahlia and Elijah Tulper of Denver; and sister Nogah (Melvin) Silberman of Leawood, Kan.
He was predeceased by Steven Mark Kelne and Marcia Missy Kelne.
Contributions may be made to Kavod, c/o Temple Emanuel; or the American Diabetes Association.
Copyright © 2010 by the Intermountain Jewish News
