Edward "Eddie" Karkula, 83, of Park Rapids, formerly of Minneapolis, died Monday, Dec. 8, 2008 at his home.
He was born March 22, 1925 in northeast Minneapolis. He graduated from Edison High School in January of 1943. Following his graduation, he worked in the warehouse for Ed Phillips and Sons Wholesale Liquor Co. in Minneapolis. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. He was honorably discharged in April 1946.
He married Lillian Engen in 1950. Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he went back to work for Ed Phillips and Sons. He was executive vice president of the company when he retired in 1973.
He married Clarice Nicklason in 1966 in Minneapolis. The couple made their home in New Hope before retiring to their home on Blue Lake in 1973. In 1975, he returned to work part time as a consultant for Johnson Brothers Wholesale Liquor distributor.
He was a member of Headwaters Golf Course and served on the board of directors for many years. He was also an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids for more than 30 years.
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He is survived by his wife, Clarice, of Park Rapids; two step-sons: Steven (Ginger) Nicklason, of Munds Park, Ariz., and Gary (Linda) Nicklason, of Nevis; one step-daughter, Sharon (Bill) Rogers of Becker; 11 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; one sister, Helen (Don) Hughes, of Golden Valley; one brother, Ted (Lois) Dick, of Maple Grove; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Lillian; and step-daughter, Darlene.
Casket bearers: his grandsons: Trevor, Brent, Reid and Peter Nicklason, Scott Rogers, and Ryan Wolf.
Funeral service: Friday, Dec. 12 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, with Rev. Ken Nyhusmoen officiating. Military honors were conducted by Star of the North Marine Corp League.
Interment: Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at a later date.
