Karl E. Bednarik Jr.

Karl E. "Father Goose" Bednarik, Jr.

GENOA: Karl E. Bednarik, Jr., 88, of Genoa, OH passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo.

Karl was a beloved husband and father. He was not afraid to stand up for what he believed or to show affection for his dearly loved family. Karl gave of himself. He made a difference in the lives he touched. He enjoyed visiting and corresponding with family and friends. Karl was born on July 17, 1923 in Barberton, OH to Austrian and Croatian immigrants Karl E. and Josephine (Rasic) Bednarik. He graduated from Barberton High School in 1941. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Heidelberg College in 1949. He also earned a Master's degree in Zoology from The Ohio State University in 1953. In World War II he flew 55 missions on a B-24 bomber in the 5th Air Force, 22nd Bomb Group, 2nd Squadron in the Southwest Pacific. In 1955 Karl married the love of his life Arvilla "Billie" LaFountain.

Karl had a distinguished career as a biologist for 38 years with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. He began his career at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in Ottawa County. As Supervisor of Waterfowl, Furbearer, and Wetland Research and Director of the Crane Creek Wildlife Experiment Station, he developed and coordinated wetlands wildlife research/management, wetlands habitat inventory, furbearer research/management, recommended annual waterfowl hunting and furbearer trapping proposals and supervised the Sportsmen's Migratory Bird Center Museum. He gained a national reputation as "Father Goose" for developing a model program to establish nesting populations of Canada Geese in Ohio. In 1964 he received The American Motors Corporation's national award presented to professional conservationists. He was the 1975 recipient of the "Outstanding Achievement Award" by The Association of Midwest Fish and Wildlife Agencies. In 1986 he received the "Governor's Ambassador Award" for unusual contributions to the wise use and management of Ohio's natural resources presented by Governor Richard Celeste. In 1991 he was inducted into the Ohio Conservation Hall of Fame, honoring him for outstanding lifelong commitment to the preservation, protection, and conservation of our state's natural resources. He also received 23 other awards at the National, State, and Regional level for outstanding contributions in wildlife conservation. He also authored and co-authored over 200 publications on wildlife conservation and ecology. Karl enjoyed the outdoors. He loved traveling, bird watching, gardening, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Oak Harbor.

Above all, Karl was a loving, caring, dedicated husband, father, co-worker, and friend who will be dearly missed by all.

In addition to his loving wife of 56 years, Arvilla "Billie"; Karl is survived by his daughters, Cynthia (Alex) Rasi of Northwood, OH and Patricia (Rock Heyman) Bednarik of Pittsburg, PA; and sister, Emma (Paul) Momchilov of Wadsworth, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul Bednarik; and sister: Joan Rebec.

The funeral mass will be celebrated by Father David Ritchie at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 11, 2012 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Oak Harbor beginning with prayers offered at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 2-8 p.m., with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, Oak Harbor with a Parish Wake Service held at 7:30 p.m. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Oak Harbor with military graveside services conducted by the Oak Harbor American Legion Post #114 and the Oak Harbor V.F.W. Post #8732.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy or The National Wildlife Federation. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.