William Karels

William David Karels passed away unexpectedly at his lake home on Big Sandy Lake in McGregor, Minnesota at the age of 60.  A private memorial service will be held at the Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home in Anoka, MN  on March 12, 2021.  A celebration of life will be held later this summer. 

Bill was born on December 13, 1960 in Ortonville, MN to parents Vincent and Bernette Karels.  Bill attended St Joseph’s Elementary School in Rosen, MN and graduated from Bellingham MN High School.  He attended Willmar MN  vocational school before beginning his working career.  At the time of his death, he was co-owner of

AFC-Technologies, a low voltage electrical contracting company. 

Bill married the love of his life, Camille Pansch, at an outdoor ceremony, on a beautiful Minnesota day on July 21, 1990,  at her parent’s  farm near Odessa, Minnesota. To this union, two girls were born; Vanessa on January 27, 1993, and Magdeline (Maggie) (Michael) Chambers on September 21, 1995. 

Bill enjoyed life to the fullest.  He loved hunting, fishing, and boating.  He spent many happy days hunting and fishing with his family and friends.  He loved to take his girls and their friends to the lake to show them a good time.  Another favorite was tailgating at the NDSU Bison football games. Bill was an excellent self taught cook and excelled at BBQ grilling.

Bill was a member of the Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department for 21 years.  He was proud of his service and gave his fullest to this  Department.  He retired from the Fire Department in 2016.  Bill lived his life to the fullest.  He loved family, friends, and entertaining.  His infectious laugh was enjoyed by all.

Bill is survived by his wife of 30 years, Camille, his two daughters; Vanessa, of Fargo, ND and  Maggie (Michael) Chambers of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and two grandsons; Tae Karels and Oliver Chambers, sisters;  Peggy Karels of Madison, MN, Kathryn (Gary) Grube of White Bear Lake, MN, Betsy (Joe) Adelman of Milbank, SD, and Nancy (Gerry) Dawald of Goodlettsville, TN, brothers; George (Carrie) Karels of Bellingham, MN, Ken (Rita) Karels of Sioux Falls, SD, and Lee (Jennifer) Karels of Chaska, MN and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Bernette Karels.

Bill will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Blessed be his memory.

Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home in Anoka, Minnesota are in charge of the arrangements.