Tod W. Karner

Tod William Karner age 77, of Dundee, Mich. passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, Fla. He was born on April 1, 1947 in Monroe, Mich.

Tod was the oldest of four children born to Richard Phillip Karner and Elizabeth Edna Smith (Karner). He attended Dundee Community Schools, graduating in 1966. He then went on to attend Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University.

On June 1, 1974 in Deerfield, Mich. Tod married the love of his life, Melanie Ann Steih in which they had two children, Molly and Bryan.

For many years he worked for the family-owned business, Karner Brothers Elevator, in Dundee. After the elevator he worked for Salenbien Welding Services, Inc., followed by the Monroe County Drain Commission until retirement in 2005 when he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

In his earlier years, he loved participating in sports — basketball, football, pole vaulting (track), golf and hunting. He served on the Dundee Volunteer Fire Department and the Monroe County Fairboard for many years. He enjoyed being a member of Camp Crab Orchard, and many trips with his family to Grand Marais, Mich.

Later in life Tod and Mel loved spending their winters in Bradenton.

His passing was preceded by his parents and a brother, Phillip Karner. To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his beloved wife just shy of 50 years, Melanie Ann (Steih) Karner of Dundee; a daughter, Molly Ann Karner (Brian) Suliman of Dundee, and son, Bryan Tod Karner of Dundee; two siblings, Kae Karner (Rick) Addy, and Michael (Laura) Karner; five grandchildren, Halee Freeman, Christian Minard, Hannah Freeman, Kendall Karner, and Emilie Dicken; and a great-grandchild Aryella.; nieces and nephews, Jason and Abby Rooks, Jared and Melissa Karner; as well as several cousins and close friends.

Visitation will be at Merkle’s Funeral home, Dundee, on Saturday May 18 from 2-8 p.m. Services will be held on Sunday, May 19, at 12 p.m. at Merkle’s Funeral home. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tod’s honor are suggested to be made to the Dundee Volunteer Fire Department or Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton.