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DAVID ANTHONY "TONY" KARSNIA
DAVID ANTHONY "TONY" KARSNIA
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DAVID KARSNIA Obituary
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Moray Jamieson
March 5, 2021
I had just received the latest PCS issue & to my shock, read the passing of Tony. My deepest condolence to his wife Kim and all family members. I first meet Tony in Aug. 1989 as we had our first meet of the Northland Beacon Chapter held in Fergus Falls MN. He was a great host and very knowledgeable on all aspects of professional vehicles. The passion he had for this organization was not unnoticed.
I took video of our meet in Fergus Falls & was hoping to hookup with Tony someday at a meet & rekindle those days. Getting acquainted, the BBQ, the tour of the Rindahl ambulance collection, the drive to Detroit Lakes, great memories, great fun. Rest in peace my friend.
Leaha West
December 7, 2020
I am so very sorry for your loss. Tony did the arrangements for my father’s funeral at the end of July and he was an absolutely lovely man. He was kind, considerate and very understanding of the difficulty of death. My sincere condolences.
Denise Clumpner
December 4, 2020
I am so deeply sorry to hear of Tony's passing. We talked over the phone a few times, as we are hoping to get more professional cars up to Iola Car Show and Tony was helping me contact owners of cars that would be of interest. Tony was tremendously kind, enthusiastic and helpful. I was so looking forward to meeting him in person. I read of his passing just now in Old Cars, and I join Tony's family, friends, and fellow hobbyists who mourn his loss. My love and sincere condolences to his family.
Greg Coleman
December 2, 2020
I am so Sorry to read Tony's obituary , I saw it on Facebook today while looking at Limousines , I called him a few years ago when I had some cars for sale and he put an add in the P C S newsletter , Sorry For Your Loss .
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Jamie Popa
November 18, 2020
I’m shocked to hear of Tony’s passing. My brother unexpectedly passed away on October 12th and Tony graciously helped me and my family with his cremation and funeral arrangements. He was so caring and warm. He offered me support and promised to take care of my brother.
My sincere condolences to the family. I’m incredibly sorry for your loss, Tony was a very special person.
Hannah Pickett
November 12, 2020
I never got the chance to meet Tony, as we connected through our time on Undertaking: The Podcast... But, we spoke often and I had great plans to come and meet him, Kim, and their family. Hearing of his passing was a great shock, and I will miss him and our talks more than he will ever know. He encouraged me to start mortuary school, talked me through hard days as a funeral director intern, and never failed to be one of the kindest, most thoughtful men I have ever come across. I wish I had been an even better friend than he had been to me. Tony was a father figure to me, he gave me courage and confidence that my own father never did; and I will never, ever forget him or his kind words. I thought it would be many years before I would find myself signing his guestbook...I sit here now, still waiting for my phone to buzz with an update on how the week has gone and where he is taking one of his "Girls" next. Those Coaches. I will treasure those photos. To Tony in heaven- When I get my diploma, it's gonna be partially for you. When I get my license, It will sit next to my PCS documents, which I am now a part of thanks to you. I will be the funeral director I will be with you in my heart and mind. Thank you so much. You will always have family in Washington.
Len Langlois
November 10, 2020
Such sad news to hear of Tony’s passing. Dad also found a passion at a young age in the ambulance and funeral cars and thus had a great connection to Tony and the PCS. Kim, may you know that our hearts go out to you and the kids over your loss! Our time together in South Dakota seems like yesterday but you and Tony as cohosts touched our lives forever. May God bless and keep Tony safe in heaven until you meet again.
All our love,
Len Langlois,
Mary Catherine and Larry Gignac.
Gregg Merksamer
November 10, 2020
Tony & Kim Karsnia drove to the 2017 PCS International Meet in Lebanon, Missouri in this newly-acquired, 31,000-mile 1997 S&S Medalist Cadillac hearse they named "Raspberry Cheesecake" owing to its White Diamond paintwork and Dark Autumn burgundy vinyl top.
Gregg Merksamer
November 10, 2020
The Professional Car Society's 2019 International Meet in Rapid City, South Dakota saw Tony Karsnia expressing tremendous delight with the 1/18th scale 2000 S&S Cadillac DTS Masterpiece commercial glass hearse replica that had just been custom-made for him by Portland, Oregon PCS member Noah Dorsey.
Gregg Merksamer
November 10, 2020
This photo from 2017 PCS Intl. Meet in Lebanon, Missouri finds Tony & Kim Karsnia showing off their newly-acquired 1997 S&S Cadillac Medalist funeral coach, which they christened "Raspberry Cheesecake" on account of its White Diamond paintwork and Dark Autumn burgundy vinyl top.
Martin Schmeisser
November 7, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Steve Timm
November 6, 2020
I went to Mortuary Science school with Tony- it was always fun to be in his group, as he had more experience than all the professors. I'll always think of him when I see a vintage coach. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.
Dan Heaman
November 6, 2020
I met Tony almost 20 years ago and found him to be a kind and professional person. I hope that he's found peace and pray for healing for his family.
Charles Anderson
November 6, 2020
David, Sandy and Tony's wife and children please accept my sincerest Sympathy with the loss of Tony... I have so many Fond memories of that little guy... Tony, Was Always my favorite Frequent visitor To our flower shop...Later in life,, When he would Take time out of his busy life, to stop and see Gus and Erma, my parents.... it brightend their days so much and would talk for days about Tony's Passion for collecting ambulances.... My brother Bill passed away 4 years ago on October 21st in the same manner In which Tony died... It just makes it that much harder always wondering what we could have done Or said That would have made a difference..... Bill and Tony always had a special relationship.... Words cannot express my sorrow And grief for our and your loss Of Tony.... Prayers For emotional healing Are coming your way, from our entire family. God be with all of you.
Chuck Anderson
Bill Marcy
November 6, 2020
I have known Tony since 1994, when we first joined the PCS. He was someone that I immediately liked and I always enjoyed talking with. Tony's knowledge and enthusiasm for professional cars was amazing. We even bought a 1976 S&S Cadillac combination from him. The last time we saw Tony and Kim, we were at the PCS Int'l Meet in Gettysburg in 2016, where we had a nice chat. Honestly, we truly regret not knowing Tony and Kim better, what a lost opportunity for us.
We send our love, thoughts and prayers to Kim, the children and to Tony's dad.
Rest In Peace Tony!
Lucille and Bill Marcy
Gene and Judy Dybinski
November 6, 2020
Still in a shock after hearing of Tony's passing. I'll always have memories of the great times we had putting together the "Trip-Chapter" Meets. He'll be very sorely missed. Our prayers and deepest sympathy to Kim, the children and the family.
Cheryl (Anderson) Keller
November 6, 2020
My heartfelt sympathy to the family of Tony. Tony was a neighbor/childhood friend of our family when he, Dave, and Sandy lived in Sauk Centre. He was a great kid! After Dave, Sandy, and Tony moved to Detroit Lakes, Tony was very good about keeping in touch with my parents (Gus and Irma Anderson) through the years and would occasionally stop in to visit them. He was very thoughtful and kind. May you always treasure your many beautiful memories of your husband. father, and son. Be assured of my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God bless you all.
Dave Lisiecki
November 5, 2020
I am heartbroken over Tony's passing, and for his family. I never met Tony, but this sad news touches me deeply. I think Tony and I shared a few things in common, and as a member of the PCS, I feel I knew Tony just a little bit from his contributions, dedication, writings, and career path. The great person I sense he was is supported by the outpouring of love I am reading from those who knew him.
Gregg Merksamer
November 5, 2020
DEAR KIM, MACK, ALEXIS, DAVID & SANDRA: My wife Lisa & I fervently hope and trust it is of comfort at this traumatic time that nearly a thousand Professional Car Society members around the world mourn with you and will treasure their memories of Tony going forward. He never stopped impressing me nor warranting my tremendous affection from that first time we met in person at the 1996 PCS International Meet in St. Paul and he gave me a ride to one of the evening events in his Omaha Orange-and-white 1974 Miller-Meteor Cadillac Criterion "walk through" high-top ambulance. Even as a young man way back then you simply KNEW he was destined to do great things for a car club most of us regard as more of an extended family owing to the intrinsically caring funeral and EMS professionals who constitute the bulk of its membership.
Though the PCS has has many capable and enthusiastic Presidents since its 1976 founding, Tony struck me as the one who was most successful at explaining our preservation-focused mission to the wider old car hobby whose participants might otherwise overlook the aesthetics and custom craftsmanship of coach-built funeral vehicles and ambulances. His skill at this is well demonstrated by the interview he gave to MotorWeek when this venerable Maryland Public Television series covered our 40th Anniversary International Meet in Gettysburg, PA in 2016, and everyone reading this is urged to view this video footage prominently archived on the home page of the PCS website at www.TheProfessionalCarSociety.org. Others who have worked hard to advocate for the PCS over the years are equally grateful for the effusive praise Tony always made a point to give in thanks for our efforts and his reminders to the membership that they all had talents and attitudes contributing to the enhancement of our Society's public profile. - GREGG D. MERKSAMER, PCS Publicity & Media Relations Officer and Elected 2020-2023 Board Member
November 5, 2020
Sorry to hear of Tony's passing. We will miss him dearly, and will keep all the memories that we had with attending the PCS Meets. It was so much fun driving our ambulance and hearse on all the car cruises with other PCS club members, and talking with Tony about all the different cars he collected. Tony was such a great guy to be around always smiling. We remember being your DJ's at your wedding dance, we had such a fun time. Kim our prayers go out to you and your family, and my God comfort you in this time of sorrow.
God Bless, Craig & Kathy Schuster
Darren Bedford
November 4, 2020
I am deeply saddened to hear of Tony's passing. We last spoke on October 23rd. I already miss my friend and will never forget him. He was one of the good guys, very friendly and helpful. I am thinking about Kim and the kids during this difficult time. It was always Kim and Tony. He will be remembered fondly. Until we meet again... RIP brother !
Lincoln Plain
November 4, 2020
I have known and enjoyed Tony’s friendship for many years. It saddens me deeply to hear the unexpected news of his death. Many prayers to his family during this difficult time. Godspeed Tony. You will be missed
JR Jaskulske
November 4, 2020
You left the suds in the bucket and the cloths hanging out on the line. Gone to soon! May your memory be eternal my friend.
Jeremy Ledford
November 4, 2020
Kim, can’t believe this news. I’m in such shock. Thoughts and prayers are with you and family during this time of loss and sorrow. He will be dearly missed at future Professional Car Society events and it was a high privilege and honor for him to be a friend.
Edward McIlwain
November 4, 2020
Although Tony and I never met, and I've never joined the PCS (which he encouraged me to do) he was a wonderful man, and wealth of information. He was very kind to share that knowledge whenever he could. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. May God grant you peace, and may Tony live in love and light with Him forever.
Jeff and Shela Norton
November 4, 2020
Knew Tony through our mutual hobby of classic ambulances, among other common interests. Shared some good conversations with him. Sad news indeed. Heartfelt condolences to Kim and the entire family. Rest In Peace Buddy!
Nicos Elias
November 4, 2020
We in the Professional Car Society are heartbroken to hear this. Tony was a great friend and president of the club. Aside from our rather unusual and unique love of funeral service cars that we had in common, I always admired him for doing what I did, that is going to mortuary school later in life and working to get his license. He even stopped out here in Pennsylvania with Kim to see my funeral home one time.
We need more good people like Tony in the funeral profession and in our car collector circle, he will be terribly missed. My sincere sympathy to Kim and the rest of the family and I wish him a blessed paradise.
Noreen Hegney
November 4, 2020
My heart breaks for you!! Stay strong . I am here for the journey ❤. This is a hard one and I know there are no words I can say to take away your pain. Just know I am thinking about you and if there is anything I can do, please let me know. Tony Karsnia was a good man and I'll miss our fun times together. Hugs to you.♥
Shanna Bowman
November 4, 2020
Heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathies to Tony's family! The world is a little dimmer without him.
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344 University Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN 55103
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