Tod Karner
Tod William Karner age 77, of Dundee, MI passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, Florida. He was born on April 1, 1947 in Monroe, MI. He was the oldest of four children born to Richard Phillip Karner and Elizabeth Edna Smith (Karner). He attended Dundee Community Schools, graduating in 1966. He then went on to attend Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University.
On June 1, 1974, in Deerfield, MI, Tod married the love of his life, Melanie Ann Steih. They had two children, Molly and Bryan.
For many years, he worked for the family-owned business Karner Brothers Elevator in Dundee. After the elevator, he worked for Salenbien Welding Services, Inc., followed by the Monroe County Drain Commission until retirement in 2005, being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
In his earlier years, he loved participating in sports, such as basketball, football, pole vaulting (track), golf, and hunting. He served on the Dundee Volunteer Fire Department and the Monroe County Fair Board for many years. He enjoyed being a member of Camp Crab Orchard and taking many trips with his family to Grand Marais, MI. Later in life, Tod and Mel loved spending their winters in Bradenton, Florida.
His passing was preceded by his parents and a brother, Phillip Karner. To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his beloved wife, just shy of 50 years, Melanie Ann (Steih) Karner of Dundee; a daughter, Molly Ann Karner (Brian) Suliman of Dundee; and a son, Bryan Tod Karner of Dundee; two siblings, Kae Karner (Rick) Addy, and Michael (Laura) Karner; five grandchildren: Halee Freeman, Christian Minard, Hannah Freeman, Kendall Karner, and Emilie Dicken and a great-grandchild Aryella. Nieces and Nephews: Jason & Abby Rooks, and Jared & Melissa Karner as well as several cousins and close friends.
A celebration of Tod’s life will take place at a later date in Michigan. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tod’s honor are suggested to be made to the Dundee Volunteer Fire Department or Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, Florida.
