Philip Allen Karau

A wonderful man, Philip Allen Karau, departed this life surrounded by his family at University Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan on November 9, 2026. He was born to Norbert and Marjorie (Gills) Karau on September 27, 1950 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He graduated from North Central High School in Indianapolis before earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. During college he participated in the Co-op program at Purdue which allowed him to work at Delco-Remy (later Delphi) alternating semesters of work and study. He was hired by Delco-Remy after graduation and worked there for 39 years before retiring from Delphi. He held 11 patents from his years working at Delphi. Not quite ready to retire, he went to work for BWI in Brighton, MI before finally retiring in 2018.

Phil loved God and family and enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved being outdoors – kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, gardening, and downhill skiing. He served on the Mt. Holly ski patrol for 25 years (1995-2020). He always had a positive attitude and was curious, inquisitive, energetic, playful, and joyful, with a child-like sense of humor that brought smiles to our family and others. He could fix almost anything and found solutions to problems even during his recent illness. His “can-do” attitude kept him always eager to learn something new. After he retired, he taught himself to play the accordion. Music was always a big part of Phil’s life. He played clarinet in his high school band and at Purdue as a part of the marching band. He sang in the Flint Arrowhead Barbershop chorus and in the church choir at First Presbyterian Church in Flint. He was a very talented piano and accordion player. He used that talent after retiring to entertain at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities where he befriended both residents and staff.

Never wanting to be idle, Phil volunteered at the Genesys hospital greenhouse. After the greenhouse closed, Phil began playing the piano in the hospital atrium. There was still time to travel the world, but most of all he loved spending time with family. Playing with the grandchildren allowed the kid in him to shine through.

Phil will be missed by many, but especially by his wife of 52 years, Susan Karau; Children Jeff (Kelli) Karau of Phoenix, AZ, Matt Karau of Abu Dhabi, and Julie (Jim) Keller of Commerce Township, MI; Grandchildren Brandon and Kayla Karau and Allison and Sullivan Keller; Sister Barbara Karau Grider of Westfield, IN; Niece Melissa Grider and nephew Chris Grider both of IN; many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by parents Norbert and Marjorie Karau.

A celebration of life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Flint on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Visitation from 10 AM until the time of service at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made in Phil’s name to the music program at First Presbyterian Church of Flint. (www.fpcf.org)