Thomas Joseph Karis

Thomas Joseph Karis, 67, died Wednesday, January 1, following a short illness. He was surrounded by family and friends.

Tom was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Giles and Ruth (Steinhoff) Karis.

He graduated from Aquinas High School, class of 1970, and the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse in 1974. Tom worked for Maurices Corporation in Duluth for 38 years, before retiring in 2014 to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

In 2005, Tom met Marie Schmidt of Hudson, Wisconsin. The times spent with Marie were the happiest of his life, and they had recently decided to marry. Tom and Marie traveled extensively for business and pleasure. He loved to read, and he loved the sun; the beach was his happy place. We will miss his quick wit and laughter, his kindness and his generosity.

He is survived by fiancé Marie Schmidt, Hudson; his children Eric Karis, St Paul, MN,  Michelle (Jonathan) Stovall, Farmington MN, Stephanie Karis, Duluth MN; grandchildren Teagen, Lucy, and Karis Stovall; Marie’s family Joshua Schmidt and Stacy Krook, and their baby, Oliver, Hudson WI; siblings Susan (Ray) Ronnenberg, La Crescent MN, Paul (Donna) Karis of Roberts WI and Lori Karis of St Paul MN.

He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as Marie’s extended family in Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Karis Kemp; as well as Kaye (Wrobel) Karis.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on January 31, 2020 from 3-7 pm at The Aerie at Dodge Nature Center, 1701 Charlton St, West Saint Paul MN, farm entrance 3. Family and friends are welcome to join us to share stories and memories of Tom.

"There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor." ~Charles Dickens