JOHN MCKARNS

John McKarns John McKarns, 65, of Tavares, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, from complications of bladder cancer. Mr. McKarns was born in Bryan, Ohio, Nov. 29, 1944. He lived in West Unity, Ohio, and Evanston, Elmhurst and Libertyville, Ill., before retiring to Florida in 2001. He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was employed at International Harvester in Libertyville. He left Harvester to pursue auto racing promotion. He and his wife Sue were partners in: ARTGO Racing Promotions, Short Track Auto Racing Services [STARS], Midwest Motorsports Company & MotorSports Management Services. They have for many years hosted Oktoberfest Race Week End at the LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in LaCrosse, Wis., and there will be a "Memorial Moment" held for John during this year's event. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan (Banks) McKarns; sons, Geoffrey (Jaclyn) of Mundelein, Ill., and Greggrey (Angela) of Rockford, Ill.; his brother, James McKarns of Los Altos, Calif.; and three grandchildren, Gabrielle, Alois and Everly. He was preceded in death by his parents, James "Stubby" McKarns and Bernice (Werder) McKarns. A memorial service was held Feb. 12, at the Rolling Hills Community Church in Zellwood Station, Fla. Suggested memorials are the American Cancer Society or Rolling Hills Community Church, Garden of Prayer/McKarns, Box 250, Zellwood, FL 32789.