March 6, 1924 – December 9, 2013
Karl J. Bilek, 89, of Sarasota quietly passed away on December 9, 2013 at his residence on Eastwood Drive. He was surrounded by his family. Beloved husband, he is survived by his wife of 34 years, Joyce; his son, Paul Curtis and wife, Virginia, of North Port, FL; his granddaughter, Tammie Bolema and husband, Nick, and their three children, Kendall, Elijah, and Caplan, of Muskegon, MI; and many nieces and nephews and friends throughout the United States. He has been a resident of Sarasota since 1981 when he and his wife relocated from Arlington, VA.
Karl was born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was the son of Frank and Louise Bilek. He was pre-deceased by two sisters, Josephine and Mildred, and two brothers, Louis and Leonard. He has a surviving sister, Irene.
Karl served in the United States Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946. His duty stations included England, France, Germany and Switzerland. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Following his discharge, he worked for 36 years at the Department of the Air Force in Washington, D.C.
Karl was a devoted Catholic and member of the Church of Incarnation. He was active in his community of Tamaron. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks. He was an avid golfer and photographer, and as an accomplished rifleman, he was a lifetime member of the National Riflemen’s Association.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Incarnation School.
The funeral service will be held at the Church of Incarnation on Wednesday, December 18th at 2 pm.
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