MICHAEL KAREM

Michael George Karem  
On Monday, November 5, 2018, Michael George Karem, passed away at the age of 72 in Louisville, KY, the same city in which he was born on October 29, 1946. He graduated from Western Kentucky University and earned his law degree from the University of Louisville Law School in 1972.Michael spent his career as a political consultant, advisor, and lawyer in Washington, DC and Louisville, where he earned the admiration of friends, colleagues, and competitors alike as tough, smart, and fiercely loyal. Known and admired for his innovative and creative approach to campaigns, he was a fixture in Republican circles for more than 35 years.Michael got his start in politics with Kentucky Governor Louie Nunn and remained heavily involved with the politics of the State throughout his life. He entered national politics in 1972 with President Richard Nixon, and the proudest professional achievement of his career was contributing to the election of President Ronald Reagan in 1980. Michael was an original member of Reagan's campaign team and was best known for his work as Reagan's advance man. He would often regale his friends and loved ones with stories from the campaign trail. Following the successful 1980 campaign, he joined President Reagan's administration. His final government post was in 2003 under President George W. Bush, serving as Senior Advisor to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq providing advice and oversight regarding the reconstruction of Iraq. In total, Michael worked on more than 10 presidential campaigns during his career, as well as numerous, House, Senate, and gubernatorial races throughout the country. He loved politics and the competition that came with it.Michael adored his grandchildren, and had a love for his two children beyond words. His affinity for history, good stories, and football was legendary to all who knew him. Though he will be greatly missed, Michael leaves behind a legacy that will continue forever. His love of the law lives on in his daughter and his passion for politics lives on in his son.Michael was preceded in death by his father, George, and his mother, Alma. He is survived by his former wife, Beverly Karem and their two children, Tiffany Donnelly (Andrew) and Jordan Karem (Bianca); grandchildren, Jack, Katherine, and Grace Donnelly; brother, Bruce Karem (Linda); sister, Debbie Karem Webb (Harold); and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Beargrass Christian Church, 4100 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, Kentucky. A private celebration of Michael's life will be held in Washington, DC on November 19, 2018, for Michael's immediate family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Michael's name to the Wounded Warrior Project at Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.