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Lawrence KARNOWSKI Obituary
News Death Notice
KARNOWSKI, Lawrence J. (Larry) Died October 8th, 2012. Born 10/5/35 the second of ten children in Brainerd, MN. He joined the navy in 1955. In 1957 he won appointments to the air force and naval academies, he chose the air force in order to become a pilot. He graduated class president, wing commander and captain of the golf team in 1961. He was an Ohmstead and Rhodes scholar candidate. He married Patricia Legters while he was stationed in Chateauroux, France. He later attended Northwestern University and received a masters in economics and then taught economics at the AF Academy. He then flew a C-118 in Vietnam and later in Belgium. In 1977 he was assigned to WPAFB where he retired in 1980 as a Lt. Colonel. After retirement he worked at the Mound Defense Plant as a quality control engineer until he retired in 1989. He spent his remaining years at "Polish Pond" doing what he loved: golfing, fishing and mowing. He is survived by his sons Mike, Mark and Eric, their wives and his grandchildren. Also his brothers Jack, Joe, David, Ron, Chuck and Tom and sisters Janet, Irene and Mary. In lieu of flowers, Larry wanted you to buy a bottle of good booze and have a drink on him. He will miss you all.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence KARNOWSKI
Anthony Cibulka
September 30, 2025
On September 30th, 2025 it saddened me to learn of Larry's passing in 2012. As enlisted men, after Larry and I received appointments to the US Naval Academy, we were classmates at the Naval Academy Prep School. Larry went to the Air Force Academy; and I did not see him again until he was retired and living at his Polish Pond home in Ohio.
Based on his family's and his faith in our CreatorLarry, was a man of high moral standards, even on the golf course. I hope to join him in the kingdom of our heavenly Father soon. In the meantime, I hope to meet or at least talk with one of his sons. Anthony Cibulka. Pardeeville WI.
Robert Gibson Corder
August 25, 2025
I am so sorry to only recently learn of Larry's passing. We were roommates at the Naval Academy Prep School in '56/'57, and I always admired his quiet but strong presence. We were so busy attending classes during the weekdays and studying during the nights that we never did much socializing (I wish that we could have). I remember that Larry was on the cross-country team, and we both were on the wrestling team.
It is heartwarming to know that Larry went on to do great things in life, not the least of which was being a great family man, leader, and friend. My sincere condolences go out to his extended family and close friends.
Robert Gibson "Bob" Corder, Ph.D.
Midlothian, VA
Joan Negroni
October 3, 2020
Larry- you are still very much missed and remembered! May you Rest In Peace. With our love Joan and Hector Negroni
Patrick Buckley
October 3, 2020
Hi Larry, you remain a great guy in my memory and I have followed your suggestion and consumed a quantity of Tullemore Dew Irish whiskey in your honor. Your 1961 Classmate, Pat Buckley
Robert Kellock
November 2, 2012
Larry showed us how to lead a good class and life. He was always full of both. May God bless him and all those he loved - and all those who loved him!
Bob Kellock '61
Jerry and Sue Lefton
November 1, 2012
Larry, it was always a joy to spend a night or two with you at Polish Pond. Your cooking was superb, the golf course in excellent shape, the fish always biting, and the card games very competitive. Sue and I never left Polish Pond without a trophey because you considered everyone to be a winner.
What a blessing it was for Sue and I , along with Dick and Trel Coppock, to attend your memorial service at Polish Pond. The fond words spoken about you by family and friends and the military honors you received attest to the great person and Air Force officer that you were. The Class of 1961 will always consider you our leader and most of all our friend.
Sue and I will miss you dearly. Just one more thing-- save me a tee time up there.
October 23, 2012
I met Larry through brother Jim; he came to our tree farm in Oregon on his motorcycle and I visited him on Polish Pond. We shared a mutual interest in strange, handcrafted devices and exchanged ideas for many years. I'll miss him. The many tributes here are richly deserved. Well done Larry.
Fred Wilhelm
October 22, 2012
I never met Larry, my father was Adolph, son of John Karnowski of Little Falls. My deepest sympathy to his family, as even though it's been more than 18 years since I lost my father, a day doesn't go by that I don't think of him. Try to remember all the good times you had with him, how he made your life brighter. That's what's worked best for me. Know that our fathers will be with us always, and that we will all meey again. I will do as requested, get myself a bottle and toast Larry and all the Karnowskis who have left this mortal coil.
Brian Karnowski
Joan Negroni
October 21, 2012
Our dear Larry, your three sons, and your extended family...
What can I add that already has not been said about you?
I can tell you that we will miss you and your warm, wonderful smile and quiet ways very much. I can remember the fun times, in our youth, at all of the '61 parties in your home while we were all stationed at the Academy in the late sixties. The Polish decorations, Polish food, Polish games, Polish everything! You were so proud of your heritage.
I remember, with great joy, the football games and the Polish tailgates in your wonderfully restored and converted school bus.
I remember hearing you sing, as late as last November, in barbershop quartet, and acappella, with your buddies Jim and PB.
I remember the ease with which you worked with your hands at almost anything you touched.
I remember your pride in your sons and their families. Your wonderful annual letters with the columns of good news and not so good news. Your witt, your kindness, your quiet ways.
To Larry: There is so much more that we remember and will miss about you. You made us all better. Rest in peace, our friend.
To Larry's family: please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one.
With respect,
Joan Blanco Negroni (Hector '61)
mary and boop hanson
October 19, 2012
Larry we will miss you every day of the rest of our lives. You were a wonderful brother and friend. We had some great times and lots of laughs. I am glad I got to see "Polish Pond". As borther Tom said, you were a wonderful inspiration. Love, Mary and Boop
Jim Wilhelm
October 18, 2012
I have 51 years of memories to ease the pain of Larry's departure. I was fortunate to visit with him at Polish Pond just after he found out he had cancer. We reminisced on the 7 motorcycle trips we made together and took a "last ride" on his Cushman motorscooters. I was happy to speak with him on his 77th birthday, just three days before he passed away. What a great classmate and best friend. My proudest moment was when I marched behind him as he led the Wing at JFK's inaugural parade in 1961. He was an inspiration to us all. Nancy and I will miss him terribly. He was our brother.
Tom, Sheri, Kalen, Braxton and Britonya Karnowski
October 17, 2012
Larry from as far back as I can remember you and your actions inspired me to be and do the best I could. You will be missed my brother.
Makayla, Brianna & Katie Huber-Karnowski
October 16, 2012
We love you, Grandpa/Dad. Your shining Light will be missed.
Bonnie Middlecamp/Moss
October 16, 2012
As an integral part of our Quality Engineering group, Larry brought smiles to our faces at the requisite Q&S meetings and entertained us at Polish Pond. He was loved and will be missed. Now he and Walt can play tennis or golf together at the big officer's club in the sky!
Gene Davis
October 16, 2012
I'm sure Larry will be smoothing a path for the rest us. Leadership always leaves its mark. Larry will be missed by all. Judy and I send our condolences.
October 16, 2012
PB and Mer will always remember the sparkling good nature of a man content with the fulness life carved from his own hands. The essence of his humor and warmth were well grounded even before we met him in July 1957. You see his high school yearbook revealed that along with being the scholar and gentleman we came to know, he was the only guy on the school cheerleading team! You rascal you!
October 15, 2012
I will miss you, my fellow Minnesotian and class mate.
Henry '61
Karen Icard
October 15, 2012
Larry and I started working at H&R Block in New Lebanon the same year. What fun it was knowing him. Since he was such an interesting fellow, I spent many hours talking to him about family, ''Polish Pond'',etc. What a character!! After moving to SE Ohio in 2003, I started receiving his GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS Christmas letters and will not be surprise if I receive a final one this year. Larry, I love you and will see you in Heaven.
Janet and Dave Burton
October 15, 2012
Our prayers and sympathy to Larry's family.
Jim Hourin
October 15, 2012
Farewell to a true friend.
October 14, 2012
We Are very sorry for your loss... Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Paul,Terri, Ashley &Brianna Karnowski ( Andover, Mn)
Richard Benson
October 14, 2012
Larry it seems you left with "Honor and Dignity" just as I remembered you from 63-B days.
Richard Benson
October 14, 2012
Larry it seems you left with "Honor and Dignity" just has I remembered you from 63-B days.
loving sister Janet and Jim
October 13, 2012
My "little" brother,larry, would be humbled by all your heartfelt adulations. In his final days he was only a common man, a father, brother and friend who tried to make his passing easier on those he was leaving behind. He wanted no fanfare, just peace....and he has that now....at last.
Hanson Scott
October 13, 2012
Larry: you were a great friend to all and an outstanding leader in our Class as well as with Willy 63-B. You will be missed by all.
Starlet Raines
October 11, 2012
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Larry's family. May he rest in eternal peace and be blessed by the heavenly spirit!
Ron and Cheryl Karnowski
October 11, 2012
Thank you for all your wonderful kind words about Larry, our brother. It is great to read all your comments and see the respect you all had for Larry. He will truly be missed by all.
Wayne and Mary Jones
October 11, 2012
Larry, you were our class "elder statesman" and fearless leader, a man of rare intellect and humor, and one who was greatly admired and loved. We will surely miss your presence among us, but you will always be in our hearts and memories. Thanks for being part of our lives.
Dean & Jo Jones
October 11, 2012
Larry, we have so many great memories with you, from Wing Staff days to golf at Polish Pond. What a guy--leader, comrade, and great friend--we will surely miss you! Farewell and Godspeed!
Bob Brickey
October 10, 2012
Larry - classmate & friend, your life has enriched our class. A classmate, a friend, a man of character, love & intellect, a leader, an example for others. Thanks for your friendship; you will be missed - still loved! Bob Brickey
Art Kerr
October 10, 2012
Larry, our inspirational classmate and dear friend.
We shall all see you once again as one-by-one we join up with our Grey Tag heavenly constellation. Pro Nobis Astra
Bob Brickey
October 9, 2012
Larry, as a classmate and friend your life has enriched our class. A classmate-a friend-a man of character-a leader-love and intellect-an example for others. Thanks for your shared friendship-you will be missed-still loved. Bob Brickey
October 9, 2012
Larry, as a classmate and friend, your life has enriched our class. - a classmate, a friend - a man of character, a leader, love and intellect - an example for others. Thanks for your shared friendship. You will be missed - still loved!
Bob Brickey
John Payne
October 9, 2012
Our leader and an inspiration to all of us. I will always remember Larry's little grin; which, I always interpreted to mean, "We can do it."
Mike Rawlins
October 9, 2012
Larry,
It was great to be your classmate and friend and rest in peace and I hope to see you one day again in our after life.
Dick Coppock
October 9, 2012
Larry, our leader and friend:
It was a joy to be with you last month. As always, my honor and privilege...We all hope to join you once again in "...the high untrespassed sanctity of space..." Reach out...
John May
October 9, 2012
Larry, you were an inspiration professionally, and a joy socially. You'll be missed, but your memory lives on.
John and Sheila
Paul Dean
October 9, 2012
We will all miss you Larry at our next reunion, which might not be here on earth, but in heaven...
Charlie & Sarah Stebbins
October 9, 2012
What a great man and what a heartbreaking loss! We have so many fond memories of Larry--the camping trips, his watching out for Sarah when I was in Vietnam, his two motorcycle trips to our home with Jim Wilhelm, his hand-made gift to us on our Golden Wedding Anniversary, and on and on. Dear God, this is a special person--please let him know how much we love him and miss him. Rest with the Saints, Larry.
Lowell Jones
October 9, 2012
I'll always remember our travels as '61 classmates together. You have left a legacy for time to come. Goodbye dear friend - we'll meet again. Cheers!
October 9, 2012
Larry- Thanks for your leadership and example. "Reach out and touch...." brother.
Bob Wagner
October 9, 2012
Larry was a tremendous cadet, officer and friend. Moreover, as our Wing Commander he had a lot to do with the esprit de corps that has been the hallmark of the Class of 1961 throughout these years since our graduation. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him
October 9, 2012
Larry, So sorry to lose you. Thanks for all you meant to our class over the past 55 years.
May the Lord be with your family and sustain them in this sad time.
Tom Eller
Bruce E. Decker
October 9, 2012
Here's to smooth air and eternal fuel. Have a good flight Larry.
Bruce Decker
Terry Storm
October 9, 2012
Larry's passing is a grievious loss. Our senior classmate has always been an inspiration to each of us. One more sobering step in the lives of '61.
Marcus Anderson
October 9, 2012
Larry was "one of a kind", a great leader of our Class. We'll miss him greatly.
Mark Anderson, '61
October 9, 2012
Larry - you will remain close to all of us.
Rees Wagner, Class of '61
M. Ross Shulmister
October 9, 2012
With great sorrow, and sincere sympathy to Larry's family. He was my roommate during part of Doolie year, and a major inspiration. No one who knew him will ever forget him.
Jerry Mason
October 9, 2012
I can only second the thoughts of Pat & Hector. Larry was special, even as he rode off into the sunset.
50th Reunion
Patrick Buckley
October 9, 2012
Goodby Larry, Now you have really "slipped the surly bonds of earth". It was a privilage to know you and an honor to be one of your Air Force Academy Classmates. Pat Buckley
October 9, 2012
My prayers go out to Larry's family.
Bob Smith USAFA '61
Grant Willis
October 9, 2012
Larry:
You may have been short in stature, but you were a giant in achievement.
--B.G.Willis '61
Mike @ Carolyn Tobias
October 9, 2012
Our deepest sympathy.
October 9, 2012
The great memories that we have of our departed friend and classmate Larry Karnowski will make him immortal in our heart and mind. The United States Air Force Academy Class of 1961 salutes Larry and will elevate a prayer to the Almighty for the rest of Larry's eternal soul.
Hector Andres Negroni
A classmate of the USAFA Class of 1961
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