Ernest Owen “Ernie” Karch, Jr., 100, of Freeman, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026. Ernie was born on February 26, 1926, in Bethel to Ernest and Mary (Silva) Karch. During his early years, his family moved between Kansas and California several times for his father’s work as a machinist.
At age 17, Ernie enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 1943. After completing training at Farragut Naval Training Station, he was assigned to the naval destroyer USS Hailey, where he served as a seaman and electrician’s mate in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He took great pride in being a plank owner on the USS Hailey, serving through both the commissioning and decommissioning of the destroyer during its wartime service. He was honorably discharged in 1947 and took a job as a laborer with Wabash Railroad. After a brief departure from the railroad, Ernie returned to Wabash in 1949 to work in the mechanical department as an apprentice oiler. He later became a full-time carman in the repair shop before moving to the general foreman’s office in 1976, where he remained until his retirement in 1986.
Ernie married the love of his life, Dora, in 1948, and together they shared more than 64 wonderful years of marriage while raising three daughters. When he wasn’t tinkering around his property, working in his workshop, tending his garden, or helping family members with countless projects, Ernie and Dora enjoyed RV camping — a hobby they began in 1965. In 1966, their love of camping inspired them to found the Pak-N-Go Camping Club and join the National Campers and Hikers Association, of which they remained lifelong members. Their camping adventures took them across many states and into Canada over the years. Another treasured experience for Ernie was participating in the Heartland Honor Flight in May 2014 to Washington — an experience he held close to his heart.
Ernie was deeply devoted to his family and took genuine joy in their accomplishments and interests.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dora; his parents, Ernest Sr. and Mary; his brother, William; his sisters, Antoinette and Dorothy; his son-in-law, Duane Drew; and his cherished dog, Sassy. Ernie is survived by his brother, Richard; his daughters, Diana Drew, Karen Perryn (Ron), and Tina Wunder (Mark); along with 20 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members whom he loved dearly.
