Alfred Karow

Died Wednesday April 16, 2008 at Tendercare of Portage. Al was born June 8, 1920 in Saginaw, one of seven children to Robert and Helen (Diechman) Karow. He was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps serving during World War II in the Anti-submarine Command out of Langley Field, VA., and Galveston, Texas, and the Air Force in the heavy 464th Bomber Group out of North Africa, and Italy. He was shot down over Cannes, France and was a POW of Germany for one year. After the war, he attended Michigan State University on the G.I. Bill and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He worked for three years at the Illinois Tool Works in Elgin, Illinois, and then for National Water Lift Abex for 28 years, retiring as head of the Metallurgical Laboratory. Al was a member of the Greenwood Reformed Church, and enjoyed church activities and friends. Al also liked fishing, photography, bridge, travel, and his computer. On September 11, 1948, he married Isabel Colthorp in Saginaw, who survives. Surviving are three children, Laura Leyanna of Swartz Creek, Richard Karow of Houston, TX, and Joseph (Violet) Karow of Fullerton, CA; one grandson, Jason Leyanna; one brother, Robert (Christena) Karow of Owosso; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Al will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday at Greenwood Reformed Church, 1815 Winton Ave, with Rev. Jonathan Loper officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Friday (today) at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Greenwood Reformed Church or a charity of one's choice.