Obituary of Tod William Karner

Tod William Karner was born on April 1, 1947, in Monroe, Michigan. He was the oldest of four children born to Richard Phillip Karner and Elizabeth Edna (Smith) Karner.   He attended Dundee Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1966. He then went on to attend Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University.

On June 1, 1974, in Deerfield, Michigan, Tod married the love of his life, the former Melanie Ann Steih. The happy couple was blessed with the birth of two children: Molly and Bryan.

To provide for his family Tod worked for the family-owned business Karner Brothers Elevator in Dundee. Later, he became gainfully employed by the Salenbien Welding Services, Inc., followed by the Monroe County Drain Commission. He retired in 2005 after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

In his youth, Tod enjoyed taking part in sports such as: Basketball, Football, Pole Vaulting (track), Golf and Hunting. He served on the Dundee Volunteer Fire Department and the Monroe County Fair Board for many years. Being a member of Camp Crab Orchard and taking many trips with his family to Grand Marais, Michigan brought him great joy. Later in life Tod and Mel loved spending their winters in Bradenton, Florida.

Tod William Karner, age 77, of Dundee, Michigan passed away on Thursday; April 11, 2024, at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, Florida. His passing was preceded by his parents and a brother Phillip Karner.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife of nearly 50 years: Melanie Ann Karner of Dundee; a daughter: Molly Ann (Brian) Suliman of Dundee, and a son: Bryan Tod Karner of Dundee; two siblings: Kae (Rick) Addy, and Michael (Laura) Karner; five grandchildren: Halee Freeman, Christian Minard, Hannah Freeman, Kendall Karner, and Emilie Dicken; and a great grandchild Aryella four nieces and nephews: Jason and Abby Rooks, and Jared and Melissa Karner; as well as several cousins and close friends.

Friends may gather on Saturday; May 18, 2024, from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. A Celebration of His Life will take place, also at Merkle’s on Sunday; May 19, 2024, at 12:00pm, with Pastor Janice Locke of St. John Lutheran Church, Dundee, officiating. A procession to Maple Grove cemetery for inurnment, will immediately follow the services.

Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tod's honor are suggested to the Dundee Volunteer Fire Department or Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, Florida.