David Karcher Obituary

Karcher, David Age 81, of Lombard, IL passed away on Monday, October 31, 2016. Beloved husband for 38 years of Susan (nee Kuntzman) and formerly of Claire (nee Beyerl); loving father of Karen (the late Scott Thompson) Karcher, Eric Karcher, Mary (James) Rogan, Brian Karcher, Robert Karcher, Diana (Tom) Brouder, Heather (Chris) Shipman, and Michael Powell; devoted grandfather of Samantha, Joseph, Erin, Stephen, and Ava. Walter David "Dave" Karcher was born in the midst of the Great Depression and grew up on the west side of Pittsburgh in the shadow of Glenshaw Glass, where his father Walter worked. An only child, he went through high school there, then attended the State Teacher's College in Slippery Rock, graduating with a BS in Education. He taught high school math and science until a growing family required a private-sector job to make ends meet. He learned to program and became a programmer and systems analyst, work he continued nearly into the new century; as the year 2000 approached, he trained programmers and worked on projects to make systems Y2K compliant. He then returned to education, teaching adult education math courses to aspiring tradespeople, tutoring high school students on extended sick leaves, teaching Special Ed students and substitute teaching. Dave played clarinet through college and performed with a local combo. He loved to sing, make up song parodies and doggerel. He enjoyed classical and folk music. In earlier life, he was a member of Unity Temple, the UU church in Oak Park, and the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva. Recently he was active with the West Suburban Faith-Based Peace Coalition, taking part in training sessions and enlisting scholars to the annual essay contest, and was involved with other peace and non-violence groups. He also acted as historian and trustee to the People's Church in Uptown, at the Preston Bradley Center, and was involved in many community outreach programs there. He was a precinct committeeman, a committeeman registrar and a deputy registrar for the Democratic Party of DuPage County and ran for York Township Trustee in 2005. He loved to drive around Chicago and the suburbs, especially the lakefront, and enjoyed camping, walking and the outdoors. He was also an avid reader, of fiction and non-fiction. Dave was an animal lover all his life. His dogs, Marla and Rascal, and cat, Skyler were very dear to his heart. While he was hospitalized, his faithful dogs, Hannah and Sarah went to the rainbow bridge, following Mocha, his most special canine friend. He was a truly kind and compassionate person and will be loved, remembered and missed by his extended family, friends and community. Memorial Gathering Saturday, November 5, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Knollcrest Funeral Home, 1500 S. Meyers Rd. (3 blocks So. of Roosevelt Rd.), Lombard, IL, http://www.knollcrest.net/. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PAWS Chicago, the West Suburban Faith-Based Peace Coalition or the Preston Bradley Center. Funeral info: (630) 932-1500.