Donald J. Kareiva, 92 of Valparaiso and formerly of Chicago, passed away on December 3, 2023. He was born on August 14, 1931 to William and Helen (Brazauskas) Kareiva. Don Kareiva was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who was respected and loved by all who knew him. Throughout life, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family; adeptly taking advantage of the many opportunities that came his way in an entrepreneurial spirit. Also a veteran, he spent four years as an Army intelligence investigator based out of Milwaukee. Don was raised in the Back of the Yards neighborhood in Chicago, working in his father’s butter and egg business, and later, in his father’s tavern, Bill K’s. He attended Marmion Military Academy high school, followed by DePaul University where he earned a BS in Economics.
He met and married the love of his life, Carol and together they raised their son, Don, Jr. and daughter, Karen in Chicago’s Canaryville neighborhood. He was an active member of St. Gabriel’s parish where he was in charge of the CCD religious education program for many years. Don’s amicable personality made him an outstanding salesman, but he also wore many other hats such as a hard working business owner of a truck servicing company, as well a restaurateur.
After retirement, Don and Carol moved to Valparaiso and cemented himself as a community leader. He was elected to the board of the Lakes Area Conservancy District where he worked to ensure sustainable clean water for north Valparaiso. He also became the treasurer for The Salvation Army of Porter County where he was best known for planning the annual Easter breakfast and egg hunt for multiple years.
Don is survived by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Carol, his daughter Karen, grandson Mike Dunbar, great-grandson Jack, his brother Bill (Lil), nephew David Hermann, niece Sharon Kareiva, as well as great-nieces Nicole, Danielle and Amanda, great-great nieces Alice Rose and Riley, and loving cousin and friend to many. He is preceded in death by his son, Don, Jr., his parents William and Helen, sister Marilyn, in-laws Francis, Simon, Jack, Rosemary and Charles, and nephews Charles, Jr., Kenneth, Daniel and Phillip. Don will be remembered with love and eternally missed by all who had the fortune to know him.
A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at St. Teresa of Avilla, 1511 Laporte Ave., Valparaiso, IN beginning at 10:00 AM with an hour of visitation prior to mass. There will also be services in Chicago. There will be a visitation Friday, December 8, 2023 at McInerney's Funeral Home, 4635 South Wallace Ave., Chicago, IL from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Additional visitation will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 visitation at McInerney's from 9:00-10:00am, followed by mass at St. Gabriel's Church, 600 West 45th Street, Chicago, IL and interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 6001 West 111th Street, Alsip, IL.
GUESTBOOK
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. -Janet Williams
Carol, my deepest condolences and prayers to you and your family. It was always a pleasure treating you both at the dental office. I loved listening to your stories and your activities you had planned for the day. You both touched mine and many others hearts. With Deepest Sympathy, -Your dental assistant Tiffany Conn
We are so sorry to be reading tonight, 12/9, of Donnie's services earlier today in Chicago. We're related via Helen and remember visiting her, Marilyn and the wonderful Kareiva family; the family Marshfield home was such a special place. Condolences to the family and know we're thinking of dear Donnie and all his goodness. -Janice and Rosemarie Durack (Rose Gubista daughters)
