Lifelong Kinde residents, Karl Byarski, son of Valentine and Florence Byarski and his wife of 75 years Margaret, daughter of Frank Sr. and Hattie Lerash, have both left this earth to join their many relatives and friends with God in heaven.

Margaret passed away March 8th, 2013 at the age of 94.  Karl passed away December 22, 2016 at the age of 100.  Although their passing leaves many of us with heavy hearts, we are thankful that Karl and Margaret were a part of our lives for so many wonderful years.

During their lifetime Margaret worked along side of Karl candling eggs he picked up from local farmers, delivering and selling them afterward to local and Detroit area food markets.

After retirement from the egg business, Karl worked part time at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Kinde, as a greeter for many years.  He enjoyed people and this gave him an opportunity to see many relatives and friends.

Margaret remained at home raising their children, baking bread and taking care of her home.  She loved flowers and often you would see her outdoors working in the yard or hanging clothes on the line to dry.

In December 1953, Karl joined the Knights of Columbus Council 1546 in Bad Axe at a major degree and remained a member throughout his entire life.

Karl and Margaret enjoyed traveling in their van and cooking meals in roadside parks on a small gas stove they carried with them.  They made many friends on their journeys through Michigan and out of state.  They were both lovers of birds, nature and all animals and took every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

Karl was especially fond of music.  Although he appreciated all music, his love for fiddle tunes was above all.  During their lifetime many people joined them in the Byarski home to play the fiddle, guitar and of course the piano that remains in the basement just as it was many years ago.  His love for music resulted in thousands of recordings of musicians, family members, weddings, church and other events now forever preserved in those recordings.

In 2014, Karl received the Michigan Heritage Award for his contribution in the music industry and preserving the extensive collection of his recordings.

Family events were a large part of Karl and Margaret's lives.  Their home was always open for parties and outings that included family members along with friends throughout the many years of their lives.

Karl and Margaret are survived by their children: Marie (Edward) Goretski, Charles (Ann) Byarski, Florence Penfold, Julie (Tom) Netschke, Susan (Dan) Eakin, and Linda (Jim) O'Neil, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Proceeded in death by:  grand daughter, Kristal Netschke, son-in-law, Max Penfold, special niece, Mary Jane Yaroch, special nephew, Dan "Whip" Gottschalk, special uncle, Phil Miller, along with their parents, brothers, sisters and many friends.

A celebration of life Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church Dwight in Kinde, at 11am on Saturday, August 5, 2017.  The Holy Rosary will be recited prior to mass, at 10:15am by the Knights of Columbus.

Per their wishes, Karl and Margaret's cremains will be placed together in their final resting place in the church cemetery following the mass.

Arrangements are being handled by the MacAlpine Funeral Home.