SMSGT JOHN FRANKLIN KAROLSON,

(USAF, RET), 79, of North Little Rock passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020, after a long, courageous battle. He was born Janek Karoliszyn on August 5, 1940, in Deensen, Germany, to his late father, Ignacy Karoliszyn and mother, Kunegunda Sternal Karoliszyn.

In 1950, at age 10, his family began a new life in Plainville, Conn., where he graduated in 1959. In 1960, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Spangdahlem Germany, Las Vegas, Korat Thailand (at which time he changed his name to Karolson), Dayton, Ohio, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Little Rock where he retired in 1986 with over 26 years of service as an Automatic Flight Control/Avionics Instrument Systems Superintendent.

John’s passions included playing tennis, competing in marathons, triathlons, running club and biking events well into his 70’s. He could also be found at the M.A.R.C.s club field flying model airplanes until his health no longer permitted.

John was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sylvia Grievsdorf; and brother, Eugene Karoliszyn. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Vicki; sons, John Fitzgiven, Keith M Nelson (Haley), Steven Nelson; daughter, Michelle Mahoney (Jackie); bonus daughter, Tracie Burt; brothers, Henry Karoliszyn, Zygmunt “Stas” Karoliszyn (Judy); sisters, Jessica Hunt (Dale), Ursula Von Rydingsvard, Christine El Guebaly (Sammy); grandchildren: Alex Grievsdorf (Tracy), Abigail and Gavin Mahoney, Keith G and Lillian Nelson and Christian Mangold; mother-inlaw, Barbara Nelson; sistersin-law, Terri Clark and Carolyn Morris; brother-in-law, Bryan Nelson (Tess) and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2020, at Levy Church of Christ, 5124 Camp Robinson Road, North Little Rock, Ark. 72118. Burial will follow on Sunday, March 15, 2020 in Clarinda, Iowa. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.