Andrew Paul Karas
Andrew Paul Karas, 61, of LaGrange, Illinois, was called to the Lord on the morning of Monday, February 5, 2024.
He is preceded in death by his father Nicholas Paul Karas, his mother, Marguerite Dolores (Olson) Karas, and many extended family members within the Karas and Olson families.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Laura Ann (Kersten) Karas; ten children: Allannah, Trevor (Eileen), Anselm (Amanda), Olivia Ptak (Nathan), Francesca, Mary, Dominic, Faustina, Athanasius, Avila; and eleven grandchildren: Jude, Celine, Becket, Marguerite “Coco,” Finnegan, Rowan, Campion, Lila, Noli, Emma, and Penelope. He is also survived by his sister Maria Despaltro (Gary) their children, Samuel, Milagrosa, and Stella; his brother Tom (Amy) and their children, Ford, Jasper, and Augustus; and numerous cousins and extended family members.
Born on November 30, 1962, Andy was raised in the south suburbs of Chicago as the eldest son of Nick “the Greek” and Marge Karas. With his sister, Maria, and brother, Tom, Andy enjoyed a childhood of tight knit relations among extended family on both sides and friends of their parents, aka, “the LaLa gang.” Andy grew up as a regular parishioner at St. Christopher’s church in Midlothian, where his parents were deeply involved. From 1976-1980, he attended Marist High School where he developed an avid passion for sports, especially soccer. Throughout high school, he also worked at his uncle’s flag factory, Advertising Flag Company Inc. From 1980-1984, he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He graduated with a B.S. from the School of Engineering, but, more importantly, engaged to the love of his life, Laura. They married on October 12, 1984, at St. Francis Xavier church in LaGrange. As they embarked on the adventure of starting their wonderfully large family, Andy also began work at Arthur Andersen (now, Accenture), where he remained a loyal employee for almost 40 years.
Early in their marriage, Andy and Laura moved to the United Kingdom for work, where they lived for a year and a half and had their third child. This set the course for a lifetime of family travels including a three-week pilgrimage to holy sites in Europe, a road trip to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré in Quebec, and excursions to see the Holy Father during his North American visits. Andy, Laura and the kids crisscrossed the country for college tours, graduations, and innumerable fishing, camping, skiing, canoeing, biking, hiking expeditions in the great outdoors. Andy lived on the go, and to the fullest.
Andy’s life revolved around his wife and family. An exceptionally attentive husband, Andy provided Laura with a beautiful home life in Westmont, Hinsdale, and then, for over 30 years, in LaGrange. After deciding to homeschool their children, Andy made himself a constant presence in his children’s education. His greatest joy was to spend time with his children and grandchildren, especially playing sports: tennis, frisbee, volleyball, golf, etc. He coached his kids’ soccer teams and taught them to coach as well. And, as a renaissance family man, Andy could cook the perfect breakfast hashbrowns, dance, tie ice-skate laces in subzero weather, untangle fishing line, and write college term papers—on any topic. He not only went canoeing with his children but helped build a canoe as well. Andy was also known for always being out to save a buck. He could find a deal anywhere—at garage sales, in resale shops, or on the curb—and he passed these money-saving tactics to his kids. Andy fully embraced his vocation as a husband, father, and grandfather.
Andy was a lot of fun and had more friends than anyone could count. A perpetual tease with a witty sense of humor, he was always ready to joke or laugh with you. Andy became the life of any party he entered: entertaining, performing, dancing his special dance moves, or as master of ceremonies extraordinaire. With his dapper taste in suits, gentleman’s manners, and gregarious nature, his story-telling abilities could enthrall even the most skeptical audience. He made himself at home no matter what the situation, and he would put you at ease as well. Combining an extroverted, larger-than-life personality with a keen interest in others, Andy’s life was filled with fun and friendship. While keeping connections from his past, he continually opened his life to newcomers as well. And as a friend, Andy could be counted on to be there for you, to have a deep conversation, or to lend a helping hand.
Finally, Andy was as a man of sincere, ever-growing faith. An anchor in his own home and among his extended family, Andy was the one to stand up and lead the prayers over a meal, at a graveside, or in awkward moments. As an active member of St. John Cantius church for 25 years, Andy could be found serving in whatever capacity was needed: as an usher (often for multiple Sunday Masses), flipping flapjacks for the pancake breakfast, helping at the St. Joseph’s table, or standing in as the official taste-tester of the parish café. His dedication extended beyond the confines of the parish, however. Outside of church, Andy lived and shared with others the richness of his faith in simple, concrete ways. He would tie and pass out leather-shoestring rosaries, slip a brown scapular to a friend, or initiate conversations about Catholic teaching. In his personal life, too, Andy lived his faith with admirable consistency: attending daily Mass, weekly Confession, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and a yearly silent retreat. In heroic ways Andy supported his wife, encouraged his children, and inspired many others to integrate their faith within their everyday lives.
Andy, aka “Mr. Incredible,” has left a legacy of dedication, love, laughter, and faith that far exceeds the bonds of his immediate family. He left us too soon, and we miss him so much, but “life is changed not ended” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1012). His life will enrich our lives for years to come. Thank you, Andy, for your gift of love and life to us.
Services:
Monday, February 12: Visitation at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St, Countryside, IL 60525, from 2:00-9:00pm.
Tuesday, February 13, 10:30am: Solemn Requiem Mass at St. John Cantius Church, 825 N. Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60642, preceded by 9:30am visitation in the church. Funeral procession from the church and interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road Hillside, IL 60162.
In lieu of flowers, please offer Masses for the repose of Andy’s soul. Donations to support the bereaved wife and family are also welcome.
Dear Laura & her beautiful family,
Please accept my heartfelt sorrow for your loss and constant accompaniment from afar.
I will continue to pray for the repose of Andy’s soul and for the peace and security you all need going forward.
It’s an honor to be acquainted with each of you by knowing Allannah. While I hope to share time with you in the years ahead, I can assure you of daily prayers wherever we are.
What an outstanding testimony to a great spouse, father and friend. I wish I had had the privilege of knowing him
– but I see many of his traits in Allannah. Great fathers continue their task on earth through their children .
I pray for you all – and of course foe Andy.
With love.
Dear Karas family,
Accompanying you all very closely in this transition with thoughts of gratitude for Andy’s life and prayers for him and all of you.
Warmly
Liz Martinez
Dear Karas Family,
Praying for your Dad and the whole family. Such a testimony to a wonderful life filled with family and Faith. May Our Lord and Our Lady accompany you all closely during these days and give you peace.
Warmly,
Molly Cook
Dear Laura, It was a joy reading Andy’s Obit-what a wonderful tribute for him, and your family. Mark always enjoyed when you came to our family parties, and how friendly Andy was to all. We were blessed with his friendship. I think now, he and my Mark may be enjoying each other’s company, not just with themselves, but with the Lord they both love so much. Offering prayers for you and your dear family. My heart aches for you, but remember God took him at the time He wanted. Andy hasn’t left you-he will be watching over you, the children and grands with his prayers into eternity. What a witness your life has been. Keep in touch as you are able. God bless and my affection to your children. God bless. Love, Linda Helminiak
I worked with Andy back in the 90s, where we began an almost 30-year friendship. He was a true joy to be around. I always laughed when with him; but he also made me think in new ways. I am so saddened by his departure, and keep his family in my prayers.
Dear Karas Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your father truly was someone that always made my day every time I saw him at a Homeschool group. He knew everyone by name and whenever I saw him he said hello and called me by my name. He had no idea how much that impacted me as child and I’ll forever be grateful for his kindness and joy!
May God bless you and carry you during your grief! I’m praying for each of you.
Love, Brookelyn Skrezyna
Dearest Laura, Allannah, Trevor, Anselm, Olivia, Francesca, Mary, Dominic, Faustina, Athanasius, and Avila,
We are so far away in India, yet we feel so close to your hearts. We feel deeply for all of you. Andy was a wonderful neighbor and friend, always willing to help out in a heartbeat. It makes it more difficult to come back to La Grange, knowing that Andy will not be there to greet us. How can Brian work in the yard without Andy telling him proud stories of his beloved children? We came home for Christmas, and there was Laura bringing me cookies, soup, and flowers. Andy started our dead car, and told many stories. Andy, you will be missed every day, and we thank God that we had the privilege to be your neighbor. And Laura, I wish I could hug you in person. We wish you strength in the coming lonely time. Lots of love always, Martina and Brian
Dearest Laura, Allannah, Trevor, Anselm, Olivia, Francesca, Mary, Dominic, Faustina, Athanasius, and Avila,
We are so far away in India, yet we feel so close to your hearts. We feel deeply for all of you. Andy was a wonderful neighbor and friend, always willing to help out at a heartbeat. It makes it more difficult to come back to La Grange, knowing that Andy will not be there to greet us. How can Brian work in the yard without Andy telling him proud stories of his beloved children?
What a beautifully written detailed description of the wonderful man Andy was. The picture of him on the water brought back many memories of his love for boating and fishing. I will also remember his love of stylish berets, wearing a big smile, and always ready for a new adventure. He will forever remain in our memories and in our hearts.
+JMJ+
Our daughter, Sarah, called me to ask prayers for your family. The testimony here shows his life as full, blessed, and holy. Be assured of our prayers for Andy and your remarkable family. God love you!
What a beautifully written passage. My heart is with you guys. Sending love from Colorado. It’s so sad, and definitely too soon. So much love to all of you guys.
A wonderful tribute to a man who made remarkable contributions to this world during his earthly pilgrimage. My deepest condolences to the Karas family. May Andy rest in the peace of Christ.
Beautifully said
Dear Laura and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Andy was a wonderful person and a very good friend. Please know that I am praying for the repose of his soul and also praying for your family.
Dear Trevor, Eileen and family, Our sincere sadness, thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Your dad was obviously a huge part of all your lives, especially sharing his deep faith, a man that enjoyed life to the fullest, So sorry his time here ended way too soon. It’s so hard giving up your dad no matter what age, but especially when so young. Keep his spirit alive within you. With deepest sympathy, Dan and Pauline Quest
Dear Laura and all of Andy’s family and friends. I had the honor of getting to know Andy at St Christopher’s church and school. What a beautiful tribute and amazing life and legacy Andy led and left for those who so loved him. May those memories continue to bring you joy and laughter and nay his teachings continue to live through his love for you all. God bless
May God Bless his soul with eternal peace and happiness in Father’s house .
Gos bless all of us .
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing person. Am very saddened to see this news. And send my condolences to his family and friends. I worked with Andy in Accenture, around 2010 for a period of time. I experienced so many of those wonderful traits described. And I came away better for meeting Andy. He will be missed.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
We were thunderstruck by the loss of Andy so many years too soon. What quickly surprised us was how many memories we had together, how many years back they go and the great sense of loss we felt knowing we won’t see his smiling, playful face again this side of eternity.
The Karas’s played such a pivotal role in our own Catholic reversion story. They were active in our first homeschool group when we started homeschooling and over time introduced us to the Brown Scapular, the St. Louis do Montfort Marian consecration, the Consecration to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts and the introduction to good priests like Fr. Charles Fanelli, and especially Fr. John Hardon S.J. and his many silent Ignatian retreats up at Bellarmine and Marytown, Laura with Simonetta at the women’s retreat and Andy with Len at the men’s retreat.
We used to be part of regular couples’ date nights (Andy introduced us to tapas) and even went to Catholic Familyland one Summer where Andy taught Len how to make his famous knotted Rosaries (which still are a part of our lives today).
After years of being supportive of his family in Simonetta’s theatre troupe, Andy joined his girls in our theatre productions playing Joseph of Arimathea in one of our largest productions the Seven Last Words of Christ.
Andy was the unoffical king of the Father Daughter balls we used to attend together with our girls. You never knew if he would show up in a Frazier Thomas styled blue jacket complete with gold epaulets and brocade, or grab a flag to lead the attendees around the dance floor to a march. None of them were complete withour Andy leading all the men in an impromtu Hava Nagila or the Bottle Dance from Fiddler on the Roof.
When the boys got older, it was on to Blue Knights (a Catholic boys group), making PVC bow and arrows or camping at one of the dad’s homes.
We found our beloved St. John Cantius through them as well, always enjoying seeing the family at Mass and in recent years frequently seeing Andy as an usher. Our family having moved out of state, the last time we saw Andy was last June when we arrived in town at St. John’s for an incredibly crowded Corpus Christi Mass and he winked at us and sent us up a back stair to find us the only seats left in the church.
Andy had the gift of caring. Whoever he was with and wherever, you had the sense that if he could help you, he would, but at least he would always listen and offer his thoughts. For us homeschooling dads, he was such a great example of what a very engaged, present and thoughtful husband and father was like.
We have so many memories, and frankly had forgotten how many until right now. Like Clarence the Angel says in It’s a Wonderful Life, “Strange isn’t it. Each man’s life touches so many other lives. And when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole doesn’t he?” For us, and even surprisingly, it’s a hole about 35 years deep.
While salvation is a serious matter (the most serious), the Christian is called to be joyful, and Andy showed that a life could be both greatly, robustly fun, and deeply meaningful at the same time. We deeply miss you Andy and are praying for you.
Len, You have captured what we’re all pondering and unable to articulate. God love you! Beautiful tribute. Dolores Holmen
Dear Mary and the Karas family,
We are so sorry for your loss. It was an honor to be introduced to your father/husband/grandfather through the beautiful tribute you wrote about him. It is clear that he loved well and was well loved. What more could we ask for in our life? Praying for peace and comfort for you all.
Karaś Family,
Want offer my Condolences to all of you.
I use Andy around SJC when I use to attend there.
You and your family are in my daily prayers.
Grant Eternal Rest Grant Onto Him O Lord And Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon, May All Souls Faithful Departed Through Mercy of God Rest In Peace.
Sorrowful Blessed Mother Pray For US!
St. Joseph Patron OF Departing Souls Pray For US!
Jason Burdette
Chicago, IL
Dear Laura and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the sad passing of Andy. I was lucky to work with him from 1998 to 2007. Andy stood our from the crowd, due to his authenticity and values, where he made it clear to all, that his priorties in life were his Family and his Faith. His ability to leave a positve lasting impression on people stretches the world. God bless from Scotland
Liebe Laura,
wir sind unendlich erschüttert über den frühen Tod von Andy. Gerne erinnere ich mich an die gemeinsame Zeit bei Accenture in Deutschland zurück, wo ich Andy in einem Kundenprojekt kennenlernen durfte. Ich habe ihn als Freund erleben dürfen, stets aufgeschlossen, hilfsbereit und authentisch, der zuhörte und gerne mit mir zusammen lachte. Im Sommer letzten Jahres haben wir uns in La Grange wieder getroffen und einen wunderschönen Tag im Botanischen Garten, beim Kanu fahren und beim anschließenden Barbecue verbracht – ein Tag, den wir nicht vergessen werden, geprägt von Herzlichkeit, Gastfreundschaft und echtem Interesse. Danke, dass wir bei euch sein durften und danke Andy für deine humorvolle, freundliche und liebevolle Gastfreundschaft. Wir werden Dich in bester Erinnerung behalten und freuen uns auf ein Wiedersehen im Himmel!
Wir wünschen Euch Kraft und Zuversicht in diesen schweren Stunden, unsere Gedanken und Gebete sind bei Dir, Laura, und den Kindern.
Please, Laura I am here to pray with you.
Thank You Lord, Jesus Christ for the Life and gift you gave us in Andy, will never forget his welcoming smile and most of all I saw Jesus in his eyes. He now knows Truth and how grand it is to be home.
Love,
Maria.
Dear Family and Friends of Andrew Karas, I came to know about and appeciate you through Allannah and her gifts of faith, friendship, hardwork, and through her generosity in sharing these talents with other people, including me. I join with everryone here on earth and those in heaven in counting on the intercession of Andy to help those of us stil continuing on the journey of life so that we all come to share in the eternal life he dedicated his life and efforts to achieve for himself and for everyone he encountered. With heartfelt prayers and condolences, Jeanne Murray
I worked with Andy & Laura’s sons Trevor, and Anselm. I attended Trevor’s wedding and met the Karas family on several occasions. Those experiences, and the support and professionalism we received in business and life were admirable and unforgetable. I am sincerely affected by the Karas’ family, their way of life, and their noble living of their faith. I especially enjoyed the magnificent tribute to Andy Kara’s, and wish to express my deepest condolences to Trevor, Anselm, their mom and the entire Karas family.
Dear Laura, Allannah and family,
I and my family and everyone at Alderton are praying so much for all of you,; please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of Andy. We are praying for him and for each of you. I am so glad that I got to meet him briefly, as he is truly an incredible person. Sending all our love and a big hug from NY….
I worked with Andy for the past eight years at Accenture and enjoyed his great sense of humor and love to people no matter where they came from. Andy was a light like no other and I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss Andy. He was a true family man who inspired me to be better.
We are very sorry to heari of Andrew’s passing.
He always lived his faith and was a pillar of the St John Cantius community. His family was always his focus and was a good husband , father and grandfather.
His spirit will always be in the minds and hearts of all who knew him.
Our condolences to his family and friends.
Laura and Family,
On behalf of my Family I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies.
I had the pleasure of knowing Andy while at Accenture. He always impressed me with his intelligence, his insight, unique sense of humor and love of family.
He found connections and friendships with everyone. I fondly remember when he realized our Daughters were the same age and invited my Daughter to his Daughter’s Birthday party. What fun they had.
He was very kind.
I will miss his positive attitude, good cheer and wit. Thank you for sharing your love of life Andy.
Growing up down the street from the Karas family in Midlothian, a fellow rugrat with Tommy, images of the cool older brother Andy light up my memories as much as Andy skating under the street light after setting his skateboard aflame! A stirring tribute to a man that lived a full life, loved fully and brought so much light to everyone. Love to the entire Karas family.
I worked with Andy for many years at Accenture. In fact I think Andy was at Accenture for 30 years plus. Our cubes/desks were next to each other for several years and we became good friends. You knew when Andy entered the room as everyone’s spirit was lifted. We shared many stories of what was going on in the lives of our families. I can recall his tales of his very large family’s road trips in their SUV.Andy was a joy to work with and he always made work on projects fun. We took our jobs seriously, but not ourselves. Most of our work was negotiating some complex IT procurement agreements with various vendors for Accenture over a speaker phone (the old days) in an enclosed office. We had fun plotting our tactics and who would say what or take on a position when we took our opponents off mute. I am sure that we told the vendor’s representatives a little lie every now and then in order to improve our position. Andy was a top notch pro in the IT procurement space and the “ go to guy” for many people. Andy was also a rascal in the office and in many ways was the prince of the city so to speak at Accenture’s Chicago office. His hoarding of personal items in lockers, desks and coat closets was truly legendary.
Andy was a great friend and colleague and a great soul and spirit. I will miss him very much. I am sure that he is charming St. Peter and making heaven a more fun place. Good night sweet Prince and make flights of angels take you to your rest.
Well said Tony. So true he will be missed!
Dear Karas family,
I would like to extend my sympathy to you on your loss. Mr. Karas was a gentleman of the highest degree, and a man who could see and bring out the good in other people. He would always make a point to talk with me whenever we were at mutual events, and he would pick up from where we left off – from when I was a young boy to adulthood! To me he will remain a legend.
Requiescat in Pace,
John Breen
Dear Karas family,
I would like to extend my sympathy to you on your loss. Mr. Karas was a gentleman of the highest degree, and a man who could see and bring out the good in other people. He would always make a point to talk with me whenever we were at mutual events, and he would pick up from where we left off – from when I was a young boy to adulthood! To me he will remain a legend.
Requiescat in Pace,
WOW! I can’t imagine 🙁 my heart breaks for your loss. What an inspiring funeral – a beautiful witness! INSPIRING! It was great getting to know Andy the couple times we met – I could tell he lived a beautiful life (you can simply look at his family to know that). He and Trevor seem very similar. I’ve enjoyed hearing more stories about him since he passed – inspiring and encouraging. I know this is such a tough loss to the family and community. Please be assured of my prayers and our community.
Love and Blessings
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for the repose of the soul of Andrew Paul Karas. We will be offering our own Mass for Andy and the Karas family here at Our Lady of the Woods in Woodland Park, CO. Continued prayers for the family from all us. Fr. Chance
Dear Karas Family,
So sorry and shocked to hear of Andy’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing him during college at the U of Illinois where we were both General Engineering majors. He and I had many fun moments at parties, playing frisbee gold or being snarky during classes. He was such a funny and unique guy and will be missed greatly.
Andy
To the Kara’s Family:
I never knew Andy. I found his name on a prayer list on the Exodus website and decided to read his obituary. What a blessing to know that people like Andy exist and can touch the hearts of so many others. I thank God for leading me to his obituary. It has really been a joy to read. I am so sorry for your loss and thank God for the gift Andy was to you and to so many others. God bless!