Melva J. Karkut
June 19, 2014 ~ June 19, 2014
Resided in:
Pueblo West, CO
Melva J. Karkut nee Flatebo, 72, of Pueblo West, Colo., formerly of Ill. and Minn., passed away Wednesday June 18, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. Melva was born in Minn. on October 3, 1941, to Nels and Olyve Flatebo. She was baptized and later confirmed at the American Lutheran Church in Windom, Minn. After graduating from Windom High School in 1960, Melva moved to Chicago to begin her working career. In Chicago, she met and married Karl F. Karkut on February 17, 1968. For many years Melva donated her time and effort to help the Mother's Club and Parent Organization at St. Camillus Church in Chicago and was also an election judge. Melva and Karl retired to Pueblo West, Colo. in June of 1994. They enjoyed their traveling, sightseeing and visiting family and friends. Karl passed away September 15, 2009, after a long illness which Melva took loving care of him. Melva loved to crochet, read, look up family history and she continued to travel to see family. Preceded in death by her loving husband; parents; sisters, Gloria Borg, Joyce Tollman, Doris Thomas and Barbara Johnson; brothers-in-law, James Johnson, Lynn Gamble, Harry Thomas and Don Tollman; a loving nephew, Daniel Brinegar; and great nephews, Cory and Houston Brinegar. Survived by her loving sister, Marvis Brinegar of Ill; nephews and nieces, Clarven Brinegar Jr., Elizabeth Richardson, Renee Brinegar, Heidi Molinari, Andrew Brinegar, Amber Brinegar, Joel Johnson, Jennifer Pecarina, Mark Johnson, Eric Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Edward Karkut, Richard Karkut and Barbara Murray; many great nieces and nephews; 14 great-great-nieces and nephews; her faithful companion Little Bit; and many friends. Melva will be interred at Resurrection Cemetery in Chicago, Ill. at a later date. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
It has been a year today that we lost you and heaven received a wonderful angel. I know you are not in pain any longer, but I miss you everyday. I miss the sound of your voice, the road trips when we got together, and all of the times you corrected me, most of the time I did it on purpose, just to keep you on your toes. I will always miss you and love you but never forget you.
It was sad to receive the news of my life long friend’s passing. Melva and I started school together and spend the next 12 year as classmates in Windom, MN. On their trips to Windom, from time to time I was lucky enough to have breakast with Melva and Karl at a local restaurant. Though I didn’t see them that often after we graduated, there is still an empty. Pete
I first met melva and Karl when they were patients at the dental office where I am the dental hygienist. Melva quickly became more than a patient, and became a friend . She never came to her appointments without bringing bags of chocolate for me and the staff. Soon we were exchanging Christmas and birthday gifts, and a lasting friendship. She certainly was an unselfish woman, putting others first,and was truly an example of love. Her unending care for Karl was truly amazing, caring for him tirelessly, driving him across the country to see family, regular dinners out, and caring for him in their home as long as she could. She went above and beyond what most would do to keep him in his home and comfortable.
I am sending my condolences to her family who she loved so much. I heard about you on our visits and I know how much you all meant to her. I have a beautiful afghan on my bay window seat, made for me In Colorado colors that will always remind me of a wonderful woman who was an example to me of how to live. She was the ultimate care giver. I hope Little Bit has found a good home, as he was also special and came to all the dental appointments too, and knew I would have treats for him. I will remember Melva always. I know she is so happy to be with her beloved Karl now, and someday I will see her again. With fondness , Kim
Our condolences to Melva’s family. I’ve known Melva (and Karl) since I was a little girl and we lived in Chicago. My mom and Melva worked and volunteered many hours at St. Camillus Church. Melva and Karl were the guests of honor at my first dinner party I cooked, at the age of 10. Melva was always supportive of us “Swindells Kids”. When they moved out to Pueblo I tried to stop in and chat when we came to visit my parents. I have many good memories of Melva, especially when we all lived in Chicago. Oh the fun we had playing cards.
Teri (Swindells) Thielen and Family (Ed,Jon and Josh)
Auntie Melva was always a constant supporter in my life. I will miss our long walks via my cellphone : ) She loved us all, even when we were busy and sometimes forgot her birthday, she never forgot one of ours. Auntie, I know you will always watch over us and I promise to take care of mom for you. Love you forever.
I’m missing my Auntie already. She was the best. Always there for us when we needed her. Even when we didn’t. I know she’s dancing with Uncle Karl and enjoying her ever after. I love you auntie to the moon and beyond. You are a piece of my heart.