Eldrid Karnitz

Eldrid Virgil Karnitz, age 95 of Belle Plaine, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at the Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine.  Funeral Service will be at 11a.m. on Saturday, October 31, at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine.  Rev. Martin Bentz will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4-6p.m. on Friday, October 30th at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday morning.  Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery in Belle Plaine.  Due to current COVID restrictions, masks will be required and social distancing will be in place.

Eldrid was born on February, 22, 1925 to Fred and Anna (Rutter) Karnitz in Blakeley Twp.  On March 8th he was received into the Kingdom, by Holy baptism, by the Rev. C.F. Kock.  On May 22, 1938 re reaffirmed his faith, by the right of Confirmation, by the Rev. W.A. Schuetze at Trinity Lutheran Church.

On May 7, 1947 he was united in marriage to Wilmay Caroline Jabs, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Jordan by the Rev. L.F. Brandes.  This union was blessed with two children.  They farmed for about ten years, then Eldrid began working for several trucking companies.  In 1979 they sold the farm and built a new house on the property where the previous Trinity Church had been standing. 

He continued to drive semi-trucks for the Owens Illinois Company until 1990.  After retirement he drove school bus and worked part time for Keup Motors.  In 1997, he and Wilmay, along with their family, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by taking a trip to Germany.  He served his church as a Sunday School teacher, school board, board of trustees, council chairman and secretary.  He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Violet Kerkow, brother in infancy Gilbert and grandson Eric Voigt.

Eldrid is survived by his wife, Wilmay,

Daughter, Judith (Larry) Voigt of Austin, TX,

Son, Rodney Karnitz of New Ulm, MN,

Grandchildren, Katie (Steve) Hughes, Rebecca Karnitz and Rachel Karnitz.

Granddaughter in law, Sherri Voigt.

Great Grandchildren, Olivia Hughes, Harper Hughes, Lauren Karnitz, Brooklyn Karnitz, Kirra Voigt, Mercedes Herron and TiAnna Herron.  Sisters in law, Lyla Karnitz and Arlene Jabs.  Many Nieces, Nephews and cousins.

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