"Laura and Family, We are saddened by your loss but we know that you have wonderful memories of your mother. Wish that we could have known her, she must have been a fascinating woman. We will continue to keep you in our prayers."
In loving memory of
ALICE A. KARCHEFSKI
August 1, 1919 - August 18, 2009
Alice Abigail (Beeler) Karchefski, 90, passed away peacefully at her home, in the loving care of her family on August 18, 2009. She received a great deal of support provided by Kathy and the rest of the Lake Superior Hospice team.
Alice was born in Portland, Oregon on August 1, 1919. She attended Reed College until the outbreak of World War II. Alice enlisted in the first Woman's Army Air Corps in order to do her part in the war effort. She performed the duty of a radio operator on military aircraft. In 1944, Alice married Kenneth Karchefski, who also served in the Army Air Corps.
Together they raised their five children as they traveled to many bases throughout Kenneth's military career. Along the way, Alice attended several colleges including Northern Michigan University. At the age of 60, she earned a B.A. degree in English at Arkansas State University. Alice graduated with High Honors and was bestowed the Most Outstanding English Student Award.
After her husband's death in 1983, she resided with her daughter, Carol and together they lovingly cared for Alice's special needs son. In addition to being a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, she was an avid reader and a writer who left her family with a treasure of ideas, essays and poetry. Alice had boundless energy and lived her life as an optimist always making the best out of any situation and seeing the good in others. Those who had the privilege to know her felt that Alice was the most selfless, honest and tenacious person they met.
Surviving are 3 children, Carol Karchefski of Marquette, Laura (Kim) Kelly of Marquette Janine (Allen) Canady of Texas as well as a son-in-law, William Berg of Arkansas; 7 grandchildren, Willie and Phillip (Sybil) Berg, Jessica and Shelby Canady, Meghan, Corey and Katie Kelly. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Jay P. and Helen Beeler; a sister, Helene Branscombe; brother, Jay Beeler; husband, Kenneth Karchefski; a daughter, Linda Berg; son, Freddie Karchefski and a granddaughter, LeLani Berg. In accordance with her wishes, there are no public services.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Tributes
"To Carol: I never knew your mother, but my thoughts are with you during this time of loss. You were the best teacher I ever had in high school, and now after reading your mom's obituary, I see you were a lot like your mother. Thanks for positively impacting my life. Angie (Gaspar) Griepentrog. Nby Class of 90."
"Janine - You have been recently in my thoughts as the Class of '79 celebrated our 30-year reunion. You were in many of the pictures over the school years. I remember your mom and Freddie from the house on the hill in Eben. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Lorene (Lintula)Selesky"
"I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. After reading Alice's obituary, I can only partially understand what a wonderful role model and adventuresome woman she was. What great memories you all must have. She will truly live on in all your hearts. My deepest sympathy."
"Laura and Family Kay and want to express our sympathy in the loss of your mother.I hope the wonderful memories of her presence with all of you will endour this time of loss. What a wonderful life and to live to this age and be with her family is a blessing. Thinking of you Bruce"