Rev. Wayne E. Karlowski

Wayne Karlowski Obituary

Karlowski, Rev. Wayne E. 95, retired minister and artist, died Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at his home in Wichita. Visitation at Broadway Mortuary. Service 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 31, at College Hill United Methodist Church. Rev. Karlowski ministered to many United Methodist churches in the area, beginning in 1930, until his retirement in 1976. These included: Lake City, Potwin, Garfield, Hugoton, Liberal, Udall, Epworth and Calvary United Methodist churches in Wichita, Valley Center and Newton. As a teenager, he took up painting, something he practiced for the rest of his life. He combined his love of Native American culture and the Southwest in his paintings. His appreciation for the divine that life on earth offers, was something he both preached and lived. Rev. Karlowski's curious mind was still active and engaged in asking questions about the meaning of life, death and beauty right up to the end. Raised a Lutheran, he loved music and first heard a beautiul girl singing a soprano solo at a Methodist church. Bonnie Clark was the soloist. She married Rev. Karlowski on his birthday in 1930. The Karlowski's moved from town to town, taking on ever larger congregations, while they raised their adopted son, Gary Alan. In 1969, his beloved wife, Bonnie collapsed in his arms and died. A period of the dark night of the soul began. The minister who had helped so many through their own losses found himself inconsolable. Time passed. The stoic minister learned to lean on friends and church members who had once leaned on him. It was the laughter of Newton widow, Kathleen Moody and her recitation of poetry and her gingerbread, that helped his recovery most. Mrs. Moody became Mrs. Karlowski in 1975 and survives him. They greatly enjoyed their retirement years. Other survivors include grandson, Gary Eugene and wife, Tracy; brother, Richard all of Wichita; stepsons, Robert R. Moody and wife, Madeline of Dodge City, Michael S. Moody of Wichita; stepdaughter, Martha Knudson and husband, Ivan of Newton; great-grandchildren, Aaron, Anthony, David Franklin, Wayne and Faith Marie all of Wichita.Memorial established with College Hill United Methodist Church.

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Published by Wichita Eagle from Mar. 28 to Mar. 30, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Karlowski

9 Entries

Louise McEwen

March 23, 2022

I often think of Wayne and Bonnie. Always wished I had one of his paintings. We had so many good times. I remember our yearly visits to their cabin in Colorado. The wild strawberries on the way to the meadow were delicious. Listening to the water from the stream was so relaxing. How blessed we were to spend that time with them.

Louise McEwen

October 11, 2020

Wayne baptized me as a baby at Epworth. He and Bonnie were good friends with my parents, Ray and Hattie Lou McEwen. Many fun times were spent at our house on Menlo Drive. I remember the taffy pulls. Wayne painted our kitchen chairs. Mine had an angel. I have that table and chairs in my house. He also painted a beautiful chest of drawers for my brother, Greg, when he was born. My younger brother, Bill, was given his middle name after Wayne. My parents had a beautiful painting Wayne did for them. Bill now has the painting in his home.

Marcia L. Newton

April 13, 2003

The best years of our lives were when we lived in Newton. Two of our neatest acquaintances were Wayne and Kathleen. Our paths crossed because of our connections with Prairie View. Good people, good times, good years. My husband Jay joins me in expressing our deepest sympathy on Wayne's passing. He made a difference in the world, and he is missed.

Opal Hartenberger

April 5, 2003

I was the secretary at the First United Methodist Church in Newton when Rev. Karlowski was the pastor. He was kind to everyone and full of fun. I treasure the beautiful painting that he gave me. His life was a blessing to so many people. I feel fortunate to have known him.

Madelyn Winterbourne

March 31, 2003

I will always remember growing up in the Methodist Church in Newton Kansas. Rev Karlowski always had time for the childen. The summer trips to his cabin in Colorado remain one of my fondest childhood memories.He and Bonnie always made the time away from home a joyous and spiritual occasion. Blessings to Kathleen and his family.

ROBERT PINKSTAFF

March 31, 2003

I WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL TO REV. KARLOWSKI FOR HIS TIRELESS EFFORTS TO HELP THOSE OF US WHO WERE IN NEED OF DIRECTION DURING HIS TOUR AT EPWORTH METHODIST CHURCH. REV. KARLOWSKI WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN GETTING MY LIFE BACK ON TRACK WHEN I RETURNED HOME FROM THE KOREAN WAR.

Debbie Chavanelle

March 29, 2003

To my oil painting friend and mentor of 30 years ago: Wayne, thanks for blessing me by sharing your love of painting, humor, and philosophy on life. I just know you applied to be a guardian angel for all your friends and loved ones the moment you entered heaven!

Nancy Karlowski/Deeds

March 29, 2003

Uncle Wayne played an important part in my life. Among other things he is the one who officiated and my wedding. It must have worked as we have now been married for fifty years.

Carolyn Tompkins/Hunter

March 28, 2003

Rev. Karlowski was one of the first ministers I remember listening to as a child in Newton, Kansas. He made a difference in my life.

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