John H. Karl

John H. Karl, 83, of Dover died Sunday morning, Feb. 7, 2016 in his home following an extended illness.

He retired as the Road Superintendent for Dover Township where he worked for 31 years and later served as a Trustee for Dover Township for eight years.

Born January 21, 1933 in Dover, he was the son of the late Edward and Frances (Eiler) Karl. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a half- brother, Vincent Karl and a half-sister, Florence Pfister.

John was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover and was an usher for many years. He was a 1950 graduate of St. Joseph High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Tank Commander and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He was a member of the Dover VFW.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Marian (Fondriest) Karl whom he married on April 21, 1956; four children, Maureen Karl of Coshocton, Jean (Tom) Marino of Dover, John E. (Kim) Karl of Dover and Jim Karl of Newcomerstown; thirteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren; a brother, Ed Karl and a sister, Rose Anne O'Donnell both of Dover; a special sister in law, Jean Fondriest; special nephew Eddie Karl; in laws, Nadine (Bill) Collins, Ron (Sue) Fondriest, and Ervin (Annalee) Fondriest along with many nieces and nephews.

John's family would like to thank the staff of Park Village and Union Hospital Home Health for their caring and compassionate service.

A memorial mass will be held Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 beginning at 11am in the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover. A reception will follow in the Family Life Center. Inurnment will be held Friday at 1:30pm in the Calvary Cemetery at Dover where the Dover VFW will conduct military honors. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10-11am. Those unable to attend may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Lighting Fund, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622