Harold W Karschner

Celebration of Life Services for Harold W. Karschner will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Christian Homes Care Community Chapel in Holdrege, Nebraska with Chaplain DeWane Dow officiating. At the conclusion of the service, flag presentation and taps will be held by the United States Marine Corps Funeral Honors Team. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at the Republican City Cemetery in Republican City, Nebraska.

Harold Wayne Karschner, 89 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege.

Harold was born September 7, 1927 at Holdrege, the second of three children born to John Levi and Elizabeth Augustus (Kuck) Karschner. He began his education at Holdrege, until the family relocated to Englewood, Colorado, where Harold continued his education. At the age of 16, Harold joined the Merchant Marines, and then at the age of 17, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, serving his country as a machine gun crewman in the Pacific Area until his honorable discharge on October 6, 1946.

Following his service, he returned to Colorado. On January, 25, 1947, Harold was united in marriage to Elva "Jane" Campbell and the couple were blessed with four children: Harold Wayne, Jr., Larry Gene, David Alan and Karen Ann. The family made their home in Englewood, Colorado, until moving to Northglenn, Colorado. Harold worked as a cabinet builder with his father, and he worked at Heckathorn Ammunitions Manufacturing. Later he was employed by Sunstrand Aviation as a supervisor in Westminster, Colorado. In 1963, they relocated to Bertrand, Nebraska area, where Harold engaged in farming in Gosper and Phelps Counties for 5 years. Harold then began a long career in law enforcement, and served as City Marshall in Bertrand. In 1979, he became employed by the Phelps County Sheriff's office as Chief Deputy Sheriff. In 1982, the couple moved to Alma where he served as Chief Deputy Sheriff for Harlan County until his retirement in November of 1989. In retirement years, he and Jane operated Karlyle Kennels at their rural home west of Republican City. On February 1, 1998, Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Jane.

He was united in marriage to Shirley M. Fischer on September 28, 2000. Later in life, Harold was united in marriage to Axie Kennedy on November 24, 2008. The couple enjoyed each other's companionship, making their home in Holdrege. After Axie's passing, Harold continued to enjoy an active life at the Christian Homes Care Community.

Harold was baptized and confirmed at the Hope Lutheran Church at Smithfield, and later a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand, while residing in that area. Harold was an avid horseman, hunter and fisherman in his younger years. He was a man of many talents, especially ring making out of coins. While living in Harlan County, Harold also enjoyed his membership with the American Legion.

Besides his parents, and his two wives, Jane and Axie; he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Kindra Wilbur; two grandsons: Kyle Karschner and Kit Karschner; brother, Richard Karschner, and his wife, Ella; and sister, Della Marie Freeman and her husband, William.

Harold leaves to celebrate his life; his four children: Wayne Karschner and his wife, Monie of Kearney; Larry Karschner and his wife, Pam of Kearney; David Karschner and his wife, Debbie of Rangely, Colorado; and Karen Wilbur and her husband, Mark of Holdrege; step-son, Bill Kennedy of Holdrege; five grandchildren: Corey Karschner and his wife, Christine; Dana Karschner; Kara Methe and her husband, Joshua; Duke Karschner; and Heidi Yardly and her husband, Lonnie; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will be no visitation, or memorial book signing. The family is honoring Harold's wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Harold's honor and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.