Obituary of Peter Karels

PETER JOHN KARELS JR. Peter John Karels Jr. passed away on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Lake Havasu City, AZ at the age of 70. Pete was born on March 1, 1942 in Chicago, IL to Peter and Eva (Leblanc) Karels and they moved to San Pedro, CA when he was 9. At the young age of 17, Pete enlisted in the United States Navy. He joined the Navy on March 31, 1959, just 30 days past his 17th birthday, and was honorably discharged from active duty on February 28, 1963. Pete served an additional 2 years in the Naval Reserve. Pete moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ 42 years ago. He owned several Janitorial businesses among them was Magic Wand Janitorial, Sunshine Janitorial and Aero Clean. He was also owner of the Good Book Store. He then worked for 20 years at the Nautical Inn as the Chief of Security. Pete most recently worked for The State of Arizona as a Case Agent for AHCCCS Program. Pete was a member of the American Legion and a member of Lakeview Community Church. Pete is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Phyllis Karels; sons David Holyfield and his wife Patti of Flagstaff, AZ, Dan Holyfield and his wife Karen of Prescott Valley, AZ; daughters Dawn Guild of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Tonya Hoover and her husband Mike of Riverside, CA, Debra Lynn Garcia of Riverside, CA, and Debra Calvert of Tennessee; sisters Betty Ford, Beverly Powers and Patricia Wunder, all of Riverside, CA; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. A celebration of Pete's life will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Lakeview Community Church with Pastor Dale Ray officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Lake Havasu Detachment #757 of the Marine Corps league. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pete's name to the Lakeview Community Church Missions Ministry 1699 Acoma Blvd. west Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403. Thoughts and condolence s can be sent to Pete's family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral home & Cremtory.