KARELS, JR., Peter John

Today's News-Herald,Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Sunday, July 15, 2012 - Peter John Karels Jr. passed away July 4, 2012 in Lake Havasu City, at the age of 70. Pete was born March 1, 1942, in Chicago, Ill., to Peter and Eva (Leblanc) Karels and they moved to San Pedro, Calif., when he was 9 years old. At the young age of 17, Pete enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He joined the Navy March 31, 1959, just 30 days past his 17th birthday, and was honorably discharged from active duty on Feb. 28, 1963. Pete served an additional two years in the Naval Reserve. Pete moved to Lake Havasu City, 42 years ago. He owned several janitorial businesses; among them were Magic Wand Janitorial, Sunshine Janitorial and Aero Clean. He was also owner of The Good Book Store. He then worked for 20 years at the Nautical Inn as the Chief of Security. Pete most recently worked for The state of Arizona as a case agent for AHCCCS Program. Pete was a member of the American Legion and a member of Lakeview Community Church. Pete is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Phyllis Karels; sons, David (Patti) Holyfield, of Flagstaff, Ariz., Dan (Karen) Holyfield, of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; daughters, Dawn Guild, of Lake Havasu City, Tonya (Mike) Hoover, of Riverside, Calif., Debra Lynn Garcia, of Riverside, Calif., and Debra Calvert, of Tennessee; sisters, Betty Ford, Beverly Powers and Patricia Wunder, all of Riverside, Calif.; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. A celebration of Pete’s life will take place July 21, at 11 a.m. at Lakeview Community Church with Pastor Dale Ray officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Lake Havasu Detachment No. 757 of the Marine Corps League. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pete’s name to the Lakeview Community Church Missions Ministry 1699 W. Acoma Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to Pete’s family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral home & Cremtory