William Dale Karol, 84

William Dale Karol, 84, of Columbia Heights, Minn., passed away Aug. 1, 2022.
Bill was born on Jan. 12, 1938, to Mary (Safruik) and George Karol at Kittson War Veterans Memorial Hospital in Hallock, Minn., the sixth of nine children. He grew up in rural Lancaster, Minn.
In 1960, at 22, he joined the Army and served two years. He then worked various jobs – farmhand, lumberjack, Samsonite luggage, Minneapolis Water Works – until he eventually found joy in carpentry.
In 1964 while living in Colorado, he met Barbara Dykoski, also from Minnesota, and on Jan. 2, 1965, they were married. They lived in Colorado for just a short time, where their first daughter, Connie was born, before moving back to Minnesota. They settled in Columbia Heights, where daughters, Susie and Laurie and son, Benjamin were born.
Bill worked as a carpenter for the Minneapolis public schools for 25 years until his retirement in 2003 at the age of 65.
For 50 years he was devoted member at Church for All Nations, previously Shiloh Bethany Presbyterian Church. Through church, he and his son went on a mission trip to Ivanova, Russia. For many years after his retirement, he helped mow the lawn and care for the church building.
He was a longtime member of the Columbia Heights lines and was president one year.
Bill loved hunting and fishing and rarely missed an opener. He was an avid cribbage player and enjoyed going out dancing. Gardening and getting together with family and friends brought him great joy.
Bill survived by: his children, Constance Karol of Columbia Heights, Suzanne (Ethan) Ellingson, currently in Florida, Laurie (Dave) Allen of Blaine Minn., and Ben (Kjessia) Karol of Minneapolis. His 13 grandchildren are: Jason (Leonna), Zachary, Ashley, Tyler, Bethany, Tiffany, Mary, Brittney, Mackenzie Cooper, Grant, Emmett and Elliot; one great-grandchild, Rosemary; siblings, David, Violet and Gerald; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by: his parents George and Mary; wife, Barbara; grandchild, Sydney; brother, John; and sisters, Verna, Hazel, Georgine and Leona.
Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 8 at Church of All Nations, Columbia Heights.