Stephen 'Steve' P. Karasti

HURLEY, Wis. - Stephen "Steve" P. Karasti, 72, was born in Menominee, Michigan to Charles and Adeline (Groleau) Karasti. He passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

He attended catholic schools, graduating from Marinette Catholic Central in 1970. He went on to graduate from Marian College and he began his graduate studies at St. John Provincial Seminary when he chose to pursue other career paths.

Steve worked at Menominee Paper, St. Peter's Cathedral in Marquette, Michigan, as well as at Our Lady of Peace in Ironwood, Michigan. Throughout his career, he pursued sales opportunities with Foster Medical, The North Country Sun, WJMS, Knights of Columbus Insurance, The Vernon Company and Kaiser Blair. He was a part-time rural postal carrier in Hurley until he retired.

Steve moved to the Ironwood area in 1987 and immediately began with his church and service organizations. It was through his volunteering that he met his wife of 32 years, Joy. Throughout their marriage, they served their church and their community through many volunteer efforts and mentoring others.

For many years, he organized a Paavo Nurmi Aid Station. He was also a member and past president of the Ironwood Kiwanis, Ironwood Chamber of Commerce, and the Ironwood Area Jaycees. Steve was currently active with the Hurley Lions Club where he was also once the president and the Ironwood Knights of Columbus recently achieving his Fourth Degree.

He had a passion for theatre and music, performing in many productions at the Historic Ironwood Theatre and Theatre North. He also volunteered at the Ironwood Theatre.

At Our Lady of Peace, Steve sang with the Mixed Choir, Peace Choir and Family Time as well as serving as cantor. He sang in the Range Chorus, Chamber Singers and Wakefield's July 3rd Chorus. He was known for his beautiful singing voice.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Arlene Lineweaver; brother-in-law, Kenneth Lineweaver; step-brother-in-law, John Edwards and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to his wife, Joy, Steve is survived by siblings, Jeanne (Roy) Beville, Michael (Laurie), Pat, Rose (Sue) and John (Sharon). He is also survived by his father-in-law, Kenneth (Fran) Lineweaver; sister-in-law, Judy (Greg) Switek; his half-brother-in-law, John (Lori) Lineweaver; half-sister-in-law, Michelle (Bill) Rossman; step-sister-in-law, Gwen Edwards; step-brother-in-law; David (Randy) Furlong, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Niece, Allyson Conhartoski, and nephews Ryan Maki and Jarrett (Victoria) Stauch, were like his children, and their children, Rylan and Aydan Conhartoski, Sierra Maki, and Edvin and Evalynn Stauch, were like his grandchildren.

A celebration of Steve's life will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Father Brian Gerber officiating. Visitation will precede Mass from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the St. Joseph's Room. A luncheon following the service at the Iron Nugget in Hurley.

To honor Steve's commitment to faith and community service, in lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations of time, talent, and/or treasure to any of the many faith, service, or theatre, organizations.

The family has chosen the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor Steve's legacy of life. To make an online condolence visit McKevittPatrickFuneralHome.com.