Claude Karel

Claude Cornelius Karel was a life-long Christian, talented organ player, and owner and operator of a hardware and toy store. He also was an avid hockey fan who was the public announcer for Walker Arena hockey games, becoming friends with professional hockey players and owners. Most importantly, he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who lived his life modeling his Christian beliefs. Born on March 17, 1926 in Muskegon, Michigan to Harry and Jennie (Fisher) Karel, Claude was the middle child of three. Harry and Jennie worked hard to raise Claude and his older sister Jean and younger brother Harry Jr. Harry owned and operated Karel Hardware Store while Jennie stayed home to care for the children and run the household. The Great Depression years and World War II years that followed Claudes birth were instrumental in developing the strong work ethic and patriotism of Claudes generation. The Karel family lived on Apple Avenue, not far from Karel Hardware on Pine Street. Claude learned the value of hard work early on in life by helping out at the family store, when he wasnt attending school at Muskegon Public Schools or playing with his friends. He also learned to play the piano at this time and later on at the age of sixteen he picked up organ playing as well. He had a marvelous teacher, Herman Vos who saw talent in young Claude. Organ playing became a life-long passion for Claude that not only brought joy, but some supplementary income as well. He played at weddings, funerals and for church services throughout the Muskegon area and even sang in a quartet for a time. After graduating from Muskegon High School in 1944, Claude proudly enlisted in the United States Army. He served for two years, where his role in the military was mostly administrative. After the war, Claude returned home and began helping his dad in the hardware store. When he wasnt working, he did have a chance to go out and have fun with friends. Using his musical expertise at the hymn sing on the Grand Haven waterfront, Claude bumped into another music-lover, Ella Sheffield. The two started dating, fell in love and exchanged their vows on August 18, 1949. The young couple started their married life together in an apartment above the family hardware store. They started their family right away, welcoming their beautiful daughter, Ruth into the world in 1950. A few years later they built a house on Amity, and welcomed three more beautiful children: Gail in 1958, Gary in 1960 and Rick in 1964, completing their family of six. Eventually, Claude took over his dads hardware business, changing it into Karels Toy and Hobby Store. Children from all over Muskegon flocked to the store, anxiously waiting for it to open as they peered in the window at the displays. With shelves well-stocked with models, toys, race tracks and trains this was certainly a childs paradise. Besides running and operating the hobby store, Claude and Ella were active members of Berean Church. Claude was in charge of the weekly radio broadcasts, announcing the church services over the radio. This gave Claude a taste of something that would soon become a passion. He applied for a job as the public address announcer for hockey games at Walker Arena. After this, Claude and Ella could be found at nearly every hockey game cheering for their team, rinkside. It soon became a family affair, with their daughter Ruth lending a hand by closing up the hobby store, and daughter Gail babysitting for the children of the hockey players. Over the years, Claude and Ella became friends with players and owners alike, traveling around the country to visit when the team made it to the big leagues. Claude was always proud of the team, but especially proud to be part of the team during the championship seasons. Claude had the honor of being the public announcer at the Mohawk, Lumberjack and Fury Hockey games for thirty-five years. In 1969, Claude and Ella moved to Roosevelt Park, and eventually moved and closed up their hobby store (although Claude continued to work as a sales representative for the hobby supply companies). They continued to remain active in Berean Church, taking over some of the custodial duties, as well as continuing the radio broadcasts. In the 1980s Claude got a job in the Muskegon County Treasures Office, where he worked even after retirement. After officially retiring in 1995, Claude still worked as an independent contractor. He and Ella spent time traveling, mostly to hockey games, and spending time with their eleven grandchildren. Grandpa and Grandma Karel treated each grandchild to a celebration at Bill Knapps on their birthday and Claude had the special honor of announcing for his grandson, Ryans high school hockey games two years in a row. Even when Claudes health began to deteriorate, it never slowed him down. He and Ella still attended hockey games and could be found at their favorite table at The Station or Russs Restaurant, where Ella worked as the hostess for many years. In January of this year, Claude fell and broke his leg. He fought to regain his strength, but continued to weaken. Ella tenderly nursed him and never left his side, but on March 6, 2009, Claude died surrounded by his family. The next night, at a Lumberjack Hockey game with Ella in attendance, Claude was honored with a moment of silence and a standing ovation. Claude Karel was hard working, dependable man. He took care of his family, making sure they had everything they needed. He volunteered his time in church, and in his community, bringing joy to many with his musical talent. He was a talented public announcer and hockey fan. Claude will be remembered with love by his family, friends, and all the people whose lives he touched. Claude is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Ella; 2 sons, Gary Karel (Ron Hatcher) of GA, Rick (Cherie) Karel of Norton Shores; 2 daughters, Ruth (Robert) Archer of Grand Haven, Gail VanRees of Spring Lake; 11 grandchildren, Robyn Archer, Ryan Archer, Amanda Kelly, Jacob VanRees, Kaitlin VanRees, Sarah VanRess, Abigail VanRees, Ethan VanRees, Justine Mooney, Jacquelyn Mooney, Bailey Karel; 1 great grandchild Kayden; brother, Harry (Della) Karel of North Muskegon. Funeral Services for Claude will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 1:00 PM at Berean Church with Rev. Craig Apel officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: Muskegon Rescue Mission or Berean Church Memorial Fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.