John L. Karnstadt, 91, passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2010. He was preceded in death by his mother, Susie Karnstadt, father Edward Karstadt, Sr., brother, Edward Karnstadt and son Tom Sassman.
He is survived by his loving wife Annie Karnstadt, sister Evelyn Meyer, his wonderful children, Nancy and husband Edward Smith, Gordon and wife Janice Sassman, Grace and husband Roy Jeffrey, daughter-in-law Robin Sassman; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
John entered the United States Army on October 29, 1941. He served in World War II and went to France, Italy, Central Europe and Africa. He received four bronze service stars, good conduct medal and the American defense service ribbon. He was a member of VFW Post 8925 in Pilot Knob. He always loved flying the flag on special holidays. John loved to dance and he and his wife Annie used to say that they have danced across Texas and back. He was upset to hear about Club 21 burning down. They cut many a rug there. Forty-two years ago, it cost John one dollar to get into Club 21, to find the lady that asked for him by name, which turned out to be Annie. John said that was the best dollar he ever spent.
He married the love of his life, Annie, on June 23, 1973. They dated for seven years before getting married and had 42 wonderful years together. John worked for Travis County Precinct Four for about 20 years before retiring. As health failed him, he moved to the Texan Nursing Home where his wife Annie was and was there three years. If he went to the hospital he would always tell them “I have got to go back and take care of my wife Annie.” He always wanted her close by. Her nickname to him was Annie Rooney and his “sweet angels,” as he called them, were Nancy and Janice, for all the wonderful things they did for him.
John had a long and happy life. God spared him once when he was in the Army. He had a bad case of malaria and was pronounced dead, covered by a sheet in the morgue. A nurse came in, John sat up and said “I’m hungry” and the nurse took off screaming. John was fine after that.
Funeral services were held Friday, December 17, 2010 at St. John Lutheran Church in Uhland with interment at Uhland Cemetery.
