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Leroy Kareus Obituary
76, died peacefully at his home in Scottsdale on September 21st surrounded by his loving wife and friends. His extended fight against brain cancer was tenacious, courageous and without complaint. Leroy was a servant of the Lord, and took comfort in Bible study and its message of hope for eternal salvation. To all who knew him, Leroy was a man of tremendous kindness and compassion who truly loved life. He possessed a quick wit and an amazing sense of humor, and was a true joy to be around, constantly happy and smiling, and almost always with a joke or funny story close at hand. His passion for nature, especially the sun, moon and all wildlife and his precious pups, Bentley and Charley was contagious. Leroy was born and raised in Detroit Michigan, the youngest of nine children born to Julius and Bertha Kareus. After high school, he attended Wayne State University, graduating in 1962 as a pharmacist. Leroy then entered the Army serving his country from 1963 to 1965. After his honorable discharge from the Army he attended medical school at College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery Des Moines, Iowa. Leroy moved to the Phoenix area after completing medical school, he knew early in life that he planned to leave the cold and snowy Northland and bask in the warm sun. Since 1970, Dr. Kareus has provided high quality medical care to a large and loyal group of patients ... For the last 45 years, he has practiced at Valley West Family Practice as well as Pueblo Family Practice. Leroy is survived by his loving wife Juliana, his sisters Lorraine Cooke Pieschke of Bloomfield Hills, MI, and Lois Barsuhn of Edina, MN, his daughters Katy Kareus of Glendale, AZ and Kristin Kareus of Buckeye, AZ step-son Jeffrey Asch of Redondo Beach, CA, step-daughter Tiffany Asch O'Reilly of Prescott AZ, 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren and his former wife Janey Kareus. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Lawrence, Lenora, Lloyd, Lucille, Leslie, and Lewis. A memorial service celebrating the life of Dr. Kareus will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at Highlands Church, beginning at 11:00am. Family, friends, co-workers, and patients are all invited. Leroy will be placed to rest at Paradise Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Christian Family Care https://www.cfcare.org/donate-online/ or Wildlife Conservation Society http://wcs.org/support
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Memories and Condolences
for Leroy Kareus
Corina Romero
March 25, 2025
Spent many years looking for a Dr like him, after he retired. Sorry to say never found one. He was such a no nonsense kind person. Still think about him.
stella ramirez
October 8, 2019
Dr. Kareus, We miss him deeply. We are not able to replace this man. He was such a loving and caring Dr.. I am grateful to the Lord for bringing him into our lives. Until we meet again....
Catherine Newman-Moran
May 29, 2017
Dr. Kareus was one of the finest physicians I had the honor to work beside. In 1970 Dr. Kareus was an intern at Phoenix General Hospital. I worked in labor and delivery and assisted Dr. Kareus deliver many newborn infants and in the nursery. I can remember tears falling down my cheeks, as I witnessed him delivering the miracle of childbirth, he was touched as well.
I knew Dr. Kareus would become a wonderful physician who really cared for his patient's and they would be grateful to have him as their doctor.
I know he left all of you with his kind, loving and intellectual gifts. He was my friend and wonderful teacher.
God bless you all and know God has him busy caring for souls in heaven with his love & compassion.
Catherine Singleton-Moran
Christopher Deppe
October 23, 2015
We miss you Dr.K .
The Deppe family.
I hope you love this place
Katrina Rose
October 23, 2015
I love my Opa he was the best grandpa I have ever had. I love you and I hope you rest in peace in heaven.
Carrol Wheat
October 21, 2015
Lee helped to establish my family practice and was an inspiration and mentor for me becoming a family physician. He is sadly missed and will forever be wrapped in Gods loving arms. Carrol Wheat
paul kopa
October 20, 2015
God Bless a person who was more then just a doctor. He took care of all of us like family. We will miss you. Kopa Family
Maureen Manning Vanderhoff
October 19, 2015
I knew Lee many years ago. We all lived in the same apartment complex. Lee was a great person, so sorry for your loss.
Jan Willcox
October 18, 2015
What a kind and gentle man. He took great care of his patients and well-loved in the osteopathic profession.
BOB CONDRA
October 17, 2015
Leroy and I spent many happy times together on the golf course. Watching Leroy trying to hit a golf ball is the best entertainment you can think of. I am sure he thought the same about me.He had a great sense of humor and we would laugh all day about old times, old friends, and the news of the day. Whenever I need a pick me up, I think about those good old days. So sorry he is gone.
GOOD TIMES AT A GOLF OUTING
BOB CONDRA
October 17, 2015
Rich Shinar
October 16, 2015
To a good buddy and a fellow believer: Mary and I will miss you and hope to join you in heaven
Louise Polzien Guilbault
October 16, 2015
So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of cousin Leroy from when I was a child.
Ben Sucher
October 16, 2015
Leroy brought a palpable energy into the room, as I fondly recall his days at Phoenix General Hospital (30-40 years ago) - best memories as an intern with some wild times training on OB rotation and Leroy 'flying' in to make that delivery!
Sher Bukovitz
October 15, 2015
You were more than my doctor you were the closet thing to a father I ever had. My doctor dad. Since I was 15 years old in 1971. I'm so blessed to have had you in my life. Watch over me in heaven too. Love always Sher
October 15, 2015
We will truly miss this wonderful man. I had the pleasure of being his patient from the age of 16-51 yrs old. Dr Kareus also treated my parents, sister, brother in law, husband, aunts and uncles. We loved him dearly.May The Lord comfort the hearts of his loved ones. I will miss you. Love, Stella Ramirez/Valenzuela &family
Bob Kareus
October 15, 2015
So very sorry. This is a big loss. Leroy was my first cousin. My father was Bill Kareus.
Kathy Brower
October 15, 2015
Wonderful loving person. Walk with Jesus, forever in our hearts. Thank you for raising such a beautiful daughter and my best friend Katy.
Vivian & Herschell Morrow
October 14, 2015
Hersh and I loved you and KNOW that you are with him and Jesus.
John Papez
October 14, 2015
Dr K helped me through a very difficult medical ordeal a few years back. He always listened with patience and empathy and I feel blessed to have been under his loving and kind care. Dr K was the best! Sympathy to his family.
Jenn Tennison
October 14, 2015
Dr Kareus will surely be missed by all! It's heartbreaking to think he's gone. 34 years ago he delivered me and had been my doctor all of my life. My parent both worked along side him at various offices/hospitals. He was more than our Doctor, He was a friend and a true blessing over four generations in our family. You will be missed!! Prayers for peace and comfort over Julie, Katy, and Kristen. With love,
October 14, 2015
I didn't know you personally but I do know your daughter Katy and she is a wonderful friend which means you were a wonderful father. I will meet you in heaven some day! Melissa Cigelske
Angie Reyes
October 14, 2015
You are greatly missed Dr K. you were a pleasure and honor to work for. My prayers goes out the the family and everyone else who lost such a great person their life Dr. K
Rita Quihuis
October 14, 2015
With a heart heavy with sorrow I know my Doctor is in a better place. Dr. LP Kareus hired me to assist in front and back office in 1975 as part of a high school program. He became my family doctor as well as many of my extended family. He was fantastic! He delivered my first child 34 years ago and remained her family doctor until she moved to Oregon in 2012. I never saw him that he didn't ask about her. Many prayers to his current wife Julie, daughters Katy & Kristin, step children Jeffrey & Tiffany and first wife Janey. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace Leroy!!!!
October 14, 2015
Julie and family - so very sad to hear of Leroy's passing. We remember only good times with him. May God give you peace, may he rest in peace.
Dr. Norman "Tom" and Patt Thompson
Jan & Terry Kase
October 14, 2015
Love you SO much, Dr. Lee. Always made me giggle. Prayers and peace for Julie, Katy and Kristen.
October 14, 2015
Sorry to hear of your passing, he was the McDonalds family DR. from the 1970s until now,good friend & Dr.
Katy Kareus
October 14, 2015
You were BIGGER than the Sky, Daddy! Love and miss you Forever x Infinity! Until we meet again in Heaven. Xoxo
October 14, 2015
He was one of my favorites at Phoenix General and he was great guy and doctor. Will miss him
Sharon Cripe
Bob Host
October 14, 2015
RIP my friend ! It was a pleasure calling on you for 25 years, and I'll always remember our friendly encounters.
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