Eugene "Doc" Karnis

Eugen Kenneth “Doc” Karnis, the youngest 90-year-old you’ll ever meet, was the son of Michael and Helen (Bamsey) Karnis. He was born on September 13th, 1927 in Sioux Valley MN. During his school years, he was active in 4-H, winning many awards as well as a trip to Chicago to the National 4-H Congress. The 4 principals of 4-H guided him through his whole life. After graduation in 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division in Japan. While serving, he continued two of his passions, playing tackle on the Army football team and playing the piano and trombone in the Army jazz band.

In 1949 Gene married the love of his life, Patty Andersen, they raised three children, Mike, Shelly and Julie. He was a wonderful father; teaching the importance of hard work, humor, creative endeavors, resilience and love of life.

In 1954 Gene graduated from the University of MN Veterinary School and moved his family to Morris, MN for one year before buying into the Alexandria Veterinary Clinic. He was instrumental in growing the practice and eventually moved the clinic to its current location with his partners Bob Lohrenz and Bill Luckemyer. Doc was dedicated to serving the farmers and he would say his favorite animal was the Holstein cow. Not just because it’s pretty but because it represented the livelihood of his clients and their families that he loved so much. He served his profession well, working long hours locally and serving on the state level.

Doc was extremely involved in in the Alexandria community. He served as the Chamber President, headed the Christmas Decoration fund drive in 1964 and contributed his time to many other civic organizations.

In 1987 he married Twyla Marx. Together they traveled the United States and the world. They enjoyed golfing, fishing, hosted three foreign exchange students, gardening and more. He loved a party and entertaining family and friends in his home.

At age 65 he retired from Vet medicine and began a new career as Realtor/Developer. He transformed the Alexandria area into communities that thrive today which all include features he loved- especially trees.  He retired from real estate after 20 years, at the age of 85.

Too young to sit back Doc took up baking- mostly pies and bread- he refined his cribbage skills, continued to learn through Senior College at the ATC and spent time with his family. But his favorite activity was cheering on his beloved Minnesota Gophers and mowing.

Gene is an American success story. While he would never be so boastful to identify himself as such, he exemplified the definition of a renaissance man who continued to reinvent himself as times and circumstances changed. He passed away on January 17th, surrounded by the love of his entire family. He is survived by his children, Mike Karnis of Miltona, Shelly Karnis of Alexandria, Julie McDonough of St. Paul; grandchildren, Sara(Chris) Robinson of Corcoran, Mike Karnis of Fargo, ND, Sam (Suzie)Karnis of Lake Elmo, Riley McDonough of St Paul, Maddie McDonough of St Paul and many great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Pat Karnis in 1985, second wife Twyla in 2014, daughter-in-law Peggy Karnis, three sisters and one brother.

A celebration of Doc’s life will be February 9th, from 2-5 PM with a Service of Remembrance at 3:30 PM at the Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria MN.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Douglas County Master Gardeners or the Douglas County 4-H.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

www.andersonfuneralhome.net