Joseph Elmer Karges

Joseph “Joe” Karges was born on August 3rd, 1942 in Detroit to Elmer and Margaret. Joe passed away on Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at his residence at the age of 82. Beloved husband of 54 years to the late Maureen (Moe) Karges. Devoted father of Kirk (fiancée Connie), Ken (Amy), and Keith. Proud grandfather of Brandon, Bryce, and Rorie. A steadfast friend to many. To his family he was known as “The Great Provider”. He always put family above all. His grandchildren gave him so much joy in the later years of his life. He loved them to the moon and back. His icon was John Wayne, and he followed the Duke’s code, “Talk low, talk slow, and don’t say too much.” He loved a good game of Euchre and also “shooting the moon.” And there was nothing like Road Trips to George’s in Kentucky accompanied by his best friend Mike and family vacations every summer up north, where he enjoyed hitting the links, relaxing with a Rolling Rock, and umpiring the infamous annual family wiffle ball games. He was a loyal Chrysler man for 31 years, where as a marketing manager he worked on several Chrysler sponsored golf tournaments, getting to interact with golfers such as Tom Kite and Chi-chi Rodriguez and celebrities like Bob Hope and Alice Cooper. Devout Catholics, he and his wife were devoted members of St. Therese, and before that St. Athanasius, where Joe served as an usher and as member of the Men’s Club, where he earned Father of the Year. Joe will be remembered by family and friends as a solid role model, loyal confidant, and a playful soul. Whether he was making sure to have his grandchildren's favorite muffins for breakfast or parade around in a shirt or hat that was gifted to him - he had a way of making you feel special and important. His life, his quiet determination, and his unquestionable love of his family and friends will live on in all of us blessed to have known this caring soul. The lion sleeps tonight. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. scripture service at the Wasik Funeral Home Inc., 49150 Schoenherr Rd. (n. of 22 Mile Rd.), Shelby Twp. Instate Friday at 11:30 a.m. until a 12:00 p.m. funeral mass at St. Therese of Lisieux 48115 Schoenherr Rd., Shelby Township. Family would appreciate donations be made to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en

Joseph Elmer Karges

August 3, 1942 - May 8, 2025