John Karnstedt

John Henry Karnstedt, 79, of Eldridge, Iowa passed away Friday, May 3, 2019 at his residence.

A memorial service will be held at 12pm Saturday, June 1st at Eldridge United Methodist Church.  Visitation will begin at 10:30am.  A private burial is planned for a later date in Henderson, MN.  Memorials may be made to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation or the Eldridge Lions Club.  Chambers Funeral Home in Eldridge is assisting with arrangements.

John was born March 26, 1940 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of “Cal” and “Jackie” Karnstedt.  He served in the U.S. Air Force.  On August 15, 1974 he married Sharon Reinier Richardson in Minnesota.  She preceded him in death in 2008.  John was a salesman for industrial products in his earlier years, and later as a bus driver for North Scott Community School District.  John was a devoted husband and caretaker for his wife, Shari.  He was a member of Eldridge Lion’s Club, Eldridge planning & zoning committee, and Eldridge United Methodist Church.  He loved fishing, sailing, history, aviation, and spending time with his family. His love of weather has guided his grandson, Dylan, to study meteorology at Iowa State University.

Those left to honor his memory are children, Kortney (Mark) McDermott of Bettendorf, Iowa; Jill Yard of Lake George, New York; Kimberly (Michael) Booth of Hampton, Iowa; Kurtis (Holly) Richardson of Pella, Iowa; Kent Richardson of Meeker, Colorado; siblings, Mary, Mark (Sharon), Paul, and David Karnstedt, all of Minnesota; 9 grandchildren, Marah and Taylor Booth, Samantha and Colton Richardson, Dylan and Alexis McDermott, and John, Jamie and Jason Yard; 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by siblings Sue Seyfert; Katherine Starrett; and Deborah, Peter, and James Karnstedt.