James Karnowski

James Jim Karnowski, 87 year old resident of Little Falls died Monday, January 1, 2018 at St.Ottos Care Center in Little Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 4 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls. A visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 3 and from 9:00-10:00 A.M. on Thursday all visitation times will be held at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls. The military rites will be conducted by the Little Falls American Legion Post #46 and the Little Falls VFW Post #1112. The burial will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN.

James Michael Karnowski was born November 28, 1930 to the late John and Anastasia (Rudnik) Karnowski. He grew up and attended school in Little Falls graduating with the class of 1948. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Jim was united in marriage to Elizabeth Rose Kopp on September 7, 1957 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls. The couple made their home in Little Falls with the exception of a short stay in Oxnard, California in 1961. He joined the Morrison County Sherriffs Department as a deputy sheriff, until he stepped in as acting sheriff after Sheriff John Stack and Chief Deputy, Andrew Herlitz were tragically killed in the line of duty in October 1965. In 1974, he began his career as a Minnesota State Correctional Officer at the St. Cloud Correctional Facility until his retirement on November 28, 1985. In retirement, he moved between Las Vegas and Little Falls to be closer to family and enjoying his retirement. Jim was an avid golfer, bowler, and loved playing cards, playing cribbage, being the Tonkmiester, traveling the US and watching sports.

He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Little Falls American Legion Post #46 and the Little Falls VFW Post #1112.



Left to cherish his memory are his children, Jeffrey James (Constance) of Black Hawk, CO, Jacob John of Las Vegas, NV, Stephanie Marie Veach of Las Vegas, NV, Michelle Joy (John) Labonney of Las Vegas, NV, Cynthia Ann (Eric Johnson) of St. Paul, John Andrew (Lisa) of Greenville, IL, Deborah Mae of Hemet, CA; siblings, Therese Clemmons of Las Vegas, NV, Florian Jacob of Hemet, CA; grandchildren, Nicholas Ray, Lauren Elizabeth, Lynzi Kay, Jamie Rae Wilson, Amanda Marie Wilson, Erinn Morai Veach, Bridget Madison LaBonney; great-grandchildren, Xander Ray and Roman Allan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Eugene, Adolph (Toby), Fred Kokomo, and Dick; sisters, Florence Zak and Margaret Gammon.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of St. Ottos Care Center who have provided his care over the last four years and made him comfortable in his final days.