Zbigniew Robert Karas

Of Arlington Heights

Zbigniew Robert Karas was born April 16, 1946 in Poking, Germany to Stanislaw and Maria (nee Slusarczyk) Karas. He died February 8, 2022 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.

Zbigniew was born in Germany following WW II. At age 2 his family moved to Venezuela where he spent his early childhood. In 1958, at age 12, he immigrated to Chicago with his parents and brother. In Chicago he raised his family and made many lifelong friends.

In his late teens and early 20s he was an exceptional goalie for the USA Polish soccer team "Wisla" where he participated in international matches in Poland. During a once in a lifetime soccer experience to Poland, he met Maria. They were married and had 3 children.

He enjoyed fishing when he got a chance, was an avid reader and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Zbigniew is survived by his wife Maria (nee Szabla) Karas; his children Casimir (Brenda) Karas, Veronica (Robert) Kicinski and Valdemar (Jennifer) Karas; his grandchildren Michael, Anthony, Andrew, Tyler, Dana, Josh, Nicholas and Kristin; his brother Stanley G. (Harriet) Karas; his mother Maria Karas and by many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father Stanislaw Karas.

Visitation Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights from 3 PM until 8 PM. Prayers 9:15 AM on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at Glueckert Funeral Home to St. James Catholic Church, 831 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights for Mass at 10 AM. Interment St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.