Robert C. Karnes
May 5, 1936 -
November 29, 2024
US Veteran
Robert "Bob" Karnes, a beloved teacher, coach, veteran, businessman, and devoted family man, passed away suddenly on November 29, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on May 5, 1936, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Bob was the cherished son of Florence (nee Wolfe) and Harold Karnes and the devoted brother of Sandra "Bean" Karnes.
Bob's passion for education and athletics emerged during his years at Kenosha High School. After graduating, he continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, earning a degree in History that laid the foundation for a lifetime of service and leadership.
In 1956, Bob married the love of his life, Mary LaMacchia, beginning a beautiful 68-year journey filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Together, they raised three sons-Robert, Richard, and Tom-instilling in them values of kindness, love, resilience, and hard work. Bob also welcomed three wonderful Italian daughters-in-law into the family, whose warmth, joy, and traditions enriched their lives.
Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, Seabees, and Army Reserves, demonstrating a deep commitment to protecting and supporting others. His career path was as diverse as it was impactful. In his early years, he worked as a life insurance agent for Northwestern Mutual, helping families secure their futures.
Education and mentorship defined Bob's life. Over an incredible 50-year teaching career at St. Joseph Catholic High School, he inspired generations of students, shaping their futures with wisdom and compassion. For 54 years, Bob also coached football, basketball, golf, and both boys' and girls' tennis, leading his teams with dedication, integrity, and a deep love for the games. Bob wrapped up most matches with a double-cheeseburger and a sundae.
In 1985, he stepped out of his comfort zone to purchase Bob's Grandview Tavern. More than just a corner bar, it became a favorite gathering place in Kenosha, offering a welcoming space filled with warmth and fun. Bob owned and operated the tavern until he sold it in 2018.
Bob also owned and operated RK Driving School for over 40 years, teaching thousands of students to drive safely and confidently-even if just to run his errands. Bob's humor and patience made him a favorite instructor, and his lessons often extended beyond driving, instilling life skills that his students carried with them forever.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved driving and taking long car rides with Mary where they shared stories, reflected on life, and embraced the beauty of the journey. His humor, wisdom, and laid-back demeanor made for an easy connection with everyone he met.
An avid golfer, Bob was a proud member of the Taboo Golf League at Bristol Oaks for many years. In 2024, he enjoyed what would be his final season, creating cherished memories as he golfed alongside his sons.
A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Bob's greatest pride and joy came from his family. He leaves behind his loving wife Mary; sons Robert (Linda), Richard (Tina), and Tom (Monica); his sister, Sandy Karnes; eight grandchildren, Lissa, Christina, Robert, Adam, Joseph, Cassidy, Emma and Lily; and six great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Jack, Connor, Gianna, Harlow, and Esme.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Emma and Edmund LaMacchia; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Eugene and Anita LaMacchia, Franz and Judy LaMacchia, Sharon LaMacchia and Terry Constant; his grandson, David Schmitz; and his nephew, Jeffrey Kappus.
Bob will be remembered for his unwavering love, deep faith, and generous spirit. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the example he set through a life well-lived. His memory will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew him.
Service Info
A celebration of Bob's extraordinary life will be held on Saturday, December 7th, at St. Joseph Catholic Academy, (gymnasium), 2401 69th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin.
A "Time of Sharing" will begin at 12:45 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m.
Visitation for Robert will also be held on December 7th, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations in Bob's honor to St. Joseph Catholic Academy (https://www.sjcawi.org/ ) or Hospice Alliance Kenosha, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd., Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 (https://www.hospicealliance.org/ ).
Posted by:
Charlotte (Avery) HervasBob Karnes was an exceptional educator and human. He was a funny, wise, straight-shooter of a teacher; I had a deep fondness for his anecdotes. Rest in peace Mr. Karnes, you’ll always be remembered fondly by those of us lucky enough to have been called, “Sport.”
Posted by:
Rick CesarioTo Bob, Rich and Tom and the rest of all your families you have my deepest sympathies with the loss of your father. May God bless you and be with your family During this time And throughout the rest of your life. Rick Cesario ??
Posted by:
Phil and Kathy AndersonFrom coach, driving instructor, teacher, fellow coach and insurance agent. Bob will be missed by all who knew him. To Mary and her entire family, please accept our condolences. With Sympathy, Phil and Kathy Anderson and family
Posted by:
Rebekah AverySo sorry for you loss, I was sad to hear this. He was one of my favorite teachers from 1992-1996. I always loved his stories!
Posted by:
Mark SeveyI am sorry to hear about Mr. Karnes’ passing and would like to express my condolences to his family. I was a member of St. Joseph High School class of 1985 and knew Tom Karnes from both St. Mary’s Grade School and St. Joseph High School. Mr. Karnes was my teacher for Algebra, Basic Drafting, and Driver’s Ed. I had chosen not to take pre-algebra in 8th grade to instead focus on the normal 8th grade math, but worried that maybe I would later have difficulty with algebra in high school. As it turned out, in 9th grade I had Mr. Karnes as my teacher, and he made algebra easy. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that class was key to much of my later college education. In 10th grade, I had Mr. Karnes for Basic Drafting, which involved making working drawings of manufactured parts on paper - no computer CAD back then. Mr. Karnes did a little lecturing but it was mostly a “hands on jump right in and do it” type of class, which again Mr. Karnes made easy. Although that class would be outdated today, I still use many of those concepts. In 11th grade, I had Mr. Karnes for Driver’s Ed. This was an extra-curricular class that was held after school – evening lectures and afternoon “lab” (driving). I have lots of memories from riding and driving around town with Mr. Karnes and my classmates. I can still hear Mr. Karnes saying “Look at corners”. Mr. Karnes was one of St. Joe’s best teachers and made a big impact on me.
Posted by:
Brett ConstantI remember uncle Bob as a very sweet and nice man with a great sense of humor. I remember shoveling his driveway back in the late 80s after a heavy snow and him joking with me about it as I struggled getting it done lol. Prayers and condolences to aunt Mary and the rest of the Karnes and LaMacchia family. He will be missed!
Posted by:
George PattersonTo Mrs. Karnes and the entire family, My heartfelt condolences for the loss of a great man. He was like a second grandfather to me—the best coach and teacher a student could ever have. Riding in the car with him was always a joy, and the entire golf team shared so many laughs. One thing was certain: we never went to bed hungry! His memory will remain eternal. With love, George Patterson St. Joseph HS Class of 2010
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Bob EwensRIP Bob,I’ll always remember the Silvercrest days when we went deer hunting.
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Kerry ConnellyMy condolences to the entire Karnes family. Bob "Coach". Was always a source of encouragement and understanding. He was my Freshman football coach and Tennis Coach. God Bless him.
Posted by:
Christine DamaskSuch a good, caring and decent man, who was a lively figure about the halls and especially the cafeteria of St. Joe's High School. He did wonders teaching me to drive, when I had never even stepped behind the wheel before we did our practice driving. He definitely helped me merge onto the highway at a speed faster than 25 miles per hour. My favorite memory of driver's ed was when we were practice driving and I noticed one of the priests from St. Mary's and started to wave to him. Mr. Karnes famous words to me were "you keep your hands on the wheel and I'll wave to the priest." Rest in peace Mr. Karnes. Condolences to the family.
Posted by:
Mike SerpeA very important influence in so many lives, always known for his humor, kindness, and wisdom. The world is a better place for having had him in it. My love and condolences to his family and friends.
