Elsie H Karloski Obituary (1921 - 2012)

Elsie H. Karloski, 91, of Decatur, IL died unexpectedly at 10:45 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 18, 2012) at Decatur Memorial Hospital after surgery. A service to celebrate Elsie's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday (Aug. 27, 2012) at St. John's Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 26, 2012) at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. Mrs. Karloski was born on March 19, 1921 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, the daughter of Fred and Hedwig (Yablinski) Opalka. She came to America with her family through Ellis Island on New Year's Day in 1924 when she was 2 years old. Elsie retired from Hi-Flier Manufacturing Company, a company that made kites. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Hi-Flier Retirees Club and the Macon County Home Extension where she was a part of the Home & Community Education group. She enjoyed the meetings, especially when they made jewelry and gifts. Elsie married Orville H. Karloski on February 6, 1943 and they were married for 69 years. Elsie and Orville were always together. Some of their nieces and nephews had one name for them. They called them "Elsieorville." They liked to travel. They traveled throughout the United States, including Hawaii, and twice to Germany where they visited the place where Elsie was born. They also enjoyed dancing, including ballroom dancing at the Trianon and the Aragon Ballrooms in Chicago and the Rialto Ballroom in St. Louis, MO. Orville liked to show his dancing skills with some of his moves but Elsie was not always sure if she liked his maneuvers when he dipped her to the floor. Elsie enjoyed cooking and sewing and was talented with needlecraft. She made beautiful knitted and crocheted items. As a wedding shower gift when one of her nieces was married, she gave her a box of items she had made, including doilies and pillowcases. Although she did not have any children, she loved children and was a nanny for two boys when she was younger. She always had a smile on her face when children were around. Elsie also liked dogs and one of the visitors at Hickory Point Christian Village where Elsie lived would always take her dog in to see her. Elsie was one of the sweetest persons you ever met, but she was very humble and modest and was embarrassed when people complimented her. However, she had a dry sense of humor and could be very witty. Elsie was always caring for others and was very generous. One of her biggest concerns while she was in skilled care at Hickory Point Christian Village was that she was not allowed to have any cash. Throughout her life, she wanted to show her gratitude for anything, no matter how small, by giving the person a few dollars. She was frustrated she could not do that in the nursing home. Her husband was also living at Hickory Point Christian Village, in Haven House, but she got to see him nearly every day. She was so used to looking after him that when she knew she was going to see him she would take some of her snacks to him. Originally, when she and her husband went to Hickory Point, they were going to live together in a room where they had their own furnishings from home but because of some setbacks she had to go to skilled care and never got to enjoy being with him in the same room. The night before she died, she asked again when she could go live in the apartment with Orville. Surviving is her husband: Orville H. Karloski of Decatur, IL; brother: Robert Opalka of Springfield, IL; nieces and nephews: Nancy M. Peterson of Decatur, IL; Michael (Connie) Opalka of Port Charlotte, FL; Ric Opalka of Fullerton, CA; Tim Opalka of Springfield, IL; Robin (Doug) Watkins of Carmi, IL; Matthew Opalka of Springfield, IL; Judith A. Morville of Decatur, IL; Steve (Jean) Karloski of Rockford, MI (who was also her godson); Sharon (John) Martin of Houston, TX; Darlene (Ron) Gordy of Lafayette, IN; Gloria (Ed) Schalk of Decatur, IL; Roger (Helen) Klaska of Decatur, IL; Carol Sue (Dean) Riley of Monticello, IL; and many grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: Helmuth Opalka, Fred Opalka and Werner Opalka. Elsie was close friends with her mother and often talked about how much she missed her. Now she is enjoying a reunion with her mom, pop, brothers and friends. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Hickory Point Christian Village, all of whom went above and beyond their duty, and a special thanks to Shara. The staff always showed their care and compassion for Elsie, even when she tested their patience by being feisty at times. She was dearly loved by all those who knew her and she will be missed but she is in a better place now. Her pain and suffering are no more. She is standing tall and whole. She is walking the streets of gold. Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, the National Kidney Foundation, or the donor's choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com. Obituary written by family members.