Gene Karasek, Sr.

Gene Karasek Sr. passed into the arms of the Lord on February 3, 2025. He was born in East Bernard, Texas on September 2, 1938, to the late Joe and Annie (Hanzelka) Karasek. 

On November 8, 1958, Gene married the love of his life, Joan Marie Bartosh, in Blessing, Texas. He shared 63 wonderful years of marriage before Momma K went to be with the Lord in 2022. Together they raised two sons and a daughter. Gene was a longtime resident of East Bernard. Before his retirement, Gene worked many years as a high-rise construction worker for Shelton W. Greer Construction Company. Gene was proud member of the Union Iron Workers Chapter #84 for over 30 years. Gene was also a 3rd Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2500 in East Bernard.

Gene enjoyed dancing with Momma K, camping, hunting, fishing, playing canasta, listening to KULP, spending time with family and tending to his vegetable garden and lawn. He loved a hearty breakfast with coffee and an evening whiskey (or 2) with cigarettes on his patio or in his garage. 

Gene is survived by son, Gene Karasek Jr. and wife, Barbara of Richmond, daughter, Rita Kelly and husband, Sean of Rosenberg, and son, Philip Karasek and wife, Kelly of East Bernard. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren: Ashton Kelly Tilley of Garland (husband Jeremy, daughter Amalie and son Jameson), Christopher Karasek of Rosenberg, Trey Karasek of Richmond and Garrett Kelly of Rosenberg. Gene (aka Sonny) is survived by his sister, Geraldine Kirchner of El Campo. 

Besides his parents, Gene is preceded in death by his wife, Joan, his brother, Larry “Boots” Karasek and grandson, Cody Karasek. 

The Rosary will be recited at Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Bernard on Friday, February 28 at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. 

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Support Incorporated, PO Box 1417, El Campo, TX 77437 or online at (https://hospicesupportinc.org/celebration-of-life/) and the Alzheimer’s Association at (act.alz.org). 

Funeral services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.  Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.