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Lonnie Kara Obituary
OSCEOLA - Lonnie J. Kara, 42, passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2008, in his home on Beech Road, Osceola. Lonnie was born June 30, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, the first son to George and Marge Kara. In 1970 Lonnie moved with his family from Chicago to Buchanan, Michigan, where he lived on Clear Lake. Lonnie attended Buchanan High School and graduated in 1983. In 1983 Lonnie enlisted in the United States Army and completed his basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. This marked the beginning of the fulfillment of Lonnie's lifelong dream. During his tenure with the Army, Lonnie was stationed throughout the United States, Korea and Honduras. In 1986, Lonnie completed the United States Army Rangers training course and Primary Leadership Development Course, was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and was assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 12th Special Forces Group, Ft. Bliss, Texas. Lonnie received the Army Good Conduct Medal, The Army Commendation Medal (1OLC) and The Army Achievement Medal (1OLC). Lonnie ended his career with the Army that he loved and returned to the Buchanan area in 1989 at the request of his then-wife. After returning to the area, Lonnie worked for various concrete companies, including Transit Mix and Ozinga Redimix. Lonnie was active with the Big Brothers Program and loved being able to help and support children in the area. Most recently, Lonnie worked for Studie's Bar in Mishawaka as a door attendant, giving Lonnie the opportunity to make new friends and show his true love for mankind. Lonnie was known by his friends for his giving nature and fun-loving attitude. If anyone ever needed anything they knew they could count on Lonnie. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, George and Margaret, and leaves behind a sister, Georgeianne (Chris) Covert of New Carlisle, IN; and a brother, Robert (Tammy) Kara of Benton Harbor, MI. Lonnie will be most missed by his beloved nieces and nephews, Joseph and Hailee Kara, Mckenzie and Connor Covert. Lonnie passing is deeply mourned by his closest friends, many who considered him a member of their own family. Lonnie lived with his closest friends, Steve and Tim Shedd, who cared for him like a brother, and who will deeply miss him. Lonnie leaves behind three ex-wives. Friends are welcome to pay their respects at Hoven Funeral Home in Buchanan, Michigan, on Thursday, April 10, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m., with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lonnie Kara
Class of 1983 Buchanan High School
April 23, 2008
Lonnie will be greatly missed. He was a fun person to be around and grow up with. When we heard the news, it swept through our classmates like a sad wave. We will miss you greatly Lonnie. All of your friends at Buchanan High School and especially your classmates from the class of 1983.
Roy Mangrum
April 22, 2008
I was a classmate of Lonnie's at Buchanan High School. I remember what a truely genuine person Lonnie was. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Rest in peace Brother.
Shelly Brandys
April 22, 2008
I was also one of Lonnie's classmates @ Buchanan High School. He was such a kind person. He would always listen to others and willing lend a hand. The class of 1983 will certainly miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
Scott Hesser
April 21, 2008
I'm was a classmate of Lonnie's at Buchanan High School. I'm saddened to hear of Lonnie's passing. Lonnie always had something positive to say and took a true interest in everyone. He had such a genuine spirit; one of the most sincere people I believe I've ever met. He will be missed. My prayers for comfort go out to his family.
Jon Newsom
April 21, 2008
I'm a former Buchanan High School classmate of Lonnie's and just learned of his passing.
Though I have not seen him in years, what I remember most about Lonnie was kindness and the smile he always shared with others.
He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Patti Reynolds
April 13, 2008
Dear Georgianne and Bobby and families,
Although I did'nt get to spend time with you all growing up. You all are still my cousins and I feel the loss. I can not imagine the grief that you all must be going through. My heart and prayers are with you. I think of you often Georgianne and Bobby and keep up on things thru Chrissy. Please know that I liove you all and pray that you all heal from the loss of your brother and father in such a short amount of time. God is collecting the best of the best . Be strong and know that I love you all very much. I wish I could be there for you. I will keep praying for you.
Love your cousin,
Patti and family
from Pennsylvania.
Jackie Sobczak
April 10, 2008
Lonnie, I will miss you so much. Family parties will never be the same again. I will cherish all the memories, the jokes and the laughs we have shared. Thanks for always watching out for me and acting like the brother I never had. You will be missed. Love always, Your cousin Jackie
Don MacDonell
April 10, 2008
I remember Lonnie as a great guy that was always upbeat. My family and I will keep you in our prayers.
Don MacDonell
Shannon Kryski
April 9, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the friends and family. Lonnie was a good person and friend. He has left an impression on all who met him. Jason and Shannon
April 8, 2008
May you be at peace, Lon. Although you may have never realized how much you were loved, I hope now you look down to see our sad hearts (you better not be laughing!!!!)
Our lives will never be the same without you and that light will never be as bright and funny. I'm glad we have our memories; especially the most recent ones of the past few years. Johnny will miss his "Uncle Lonnie" and the wrestling matches. We love and miss you -
Chrissy, John, & Johnny
Transit-mix Concrete
April 8, 2008
We are sorry for your/our loss. There is an emptiness in our hearts that only the memory of Lonnie can fill. He was our co-worker, and our friend, and by working with him day by day we learned that a man as large and strong as him could have such a gentle and caring soul. He will be greatly missed. The Guys at Transit-mix Concrete
Tim Franco
April 8, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Lonnie was a great person and a amazing friend, he will be deeply missed....
Dj Method
Adrian Gard
April 8, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Lonnie was like a brother and someone who was always there. Words can not express how much we love him.
Chris, Adrian, and Addison
Don, Fran & Jackie Sobczak
April 8, 2008
Dear Georgianne & Bobby,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Lonnie was such a great part of our family and will be greatly missed. Family parties & get togethers will not be the same now.
KeLee Tidey
April 8, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you. Steve, KeLee, Stevie Rae, Summer and Max Tidey.
Jackie (Carter) Turnbow
April 8, 2008
Georgianne and Bobby - I am so sorry to hear about Lonnie. Just letting you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Georgianne Covert
April 8, 2008
We would like to thank all of my brother Lonnie's friends for the love, kindness, and support you have always given Lonnie.
You all made Lonnie very happy and made his life complete!
I will miss my my Loving Big brother he had a huge heart that had been broken several times but never stopped giving. Our lives will never be the same, our children will truly miss him, as well as my husband and I.
Tara Gard
April 8, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the Family and Friends of Lonnie at this time. He was a great guy and friend of my sister Adrian. Lonnie - You will be greatly missed! God Bless!
Ryan(Jen) Dunafin
April 8, 2008
We are very deeply saddened to hear of Lonnie's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Kara and Connor families.
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