Obituary: Steven J. Karnitz

February 16, 1953 ~ June 10, 2022

Steven John Karnitz, 69, of Sturgeon Bay, died suddenly on June 10, 2022.  He was born Feb. 16, 1953, to Elmer and Esther (Lardinois) Karnitz.  For many years, Steve worked as a finish carpenter for Palmer Johnson Yachts in Sturgeon Bay.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Steve. Whether it was coaching his sons in baseball, playing legos with his grandkids, or sitting around with friends drinking a Pabst, being surrounded by family and friends was the most important thing to Steve.

Better known as Flash, not because of his speed but rather for the Flash Motor Oil hat he wore when he was younger, Steve was a supportive loving father and the absolute best grandpa and papa. Although he wasn’t know for his talkative nature, Steve’s docile personality brought comfort to everyone who knew him.

Survivors include 2 sons, Nicholas Karnitz of DePere and Bruce (Lauren) Karnitz of Oshkosh; 5 grandchildren, Grant, Nolan, Andrew, Quinn, and Kendall; 5 siblings, Sandy Karnitz, Susan (Marvin) DeJardin, Sally (Melvin)Vandertie, Scott (Connie) Karnitz, and Sheri (Louie) Surfus.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Kolberg with burial at Forestville Town Cemetery.  A visitation will be held at the Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay on Monday from 5:00 – 8:00 pm and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 am until the time of service.  Due to the high level of Covid 19 in the community, the funeral home is recommending face masks for those attending the visitation per the Door County Health Dept.’s recommendation.