Wayne Karr, 78, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Celebration of Life Gathering: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2020, at Calvin Sinclair Presbyterian Church: 715 38th Street SE, Cedar Rapids. Face coverings and social distancing will be required. Private Inurnment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, is caring for Wayne and his family.
Survivors include his wife, Jan; children, David (Mindy) Karr, Sandy (Bill) Anderson, Steve (Deborah) Karr, Scott (Becky) Person, and Amy (Anthony) Arrington; grandchildren, Brittany Torres (Emeterio), Carissa (Brent) Votroubek, Kearsten Karr (Codi Esayenko) and Kailee Karr, Jessica Karr, Mariah Peck (Ryan Mains) and Halle Person (Shane Smyth), Alanna Arrington (Clayton Bjornsen) and Amyah Arrington (Trey Sampson); great-grandchildren, Karra and Kaydence Votroubek, and Alivia and Jaiden Torres; former spouse, Betty Karr; and many extended family and friends.
Wayne Ernest Karr was born January 28, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, to Oral and Georgia Karr. After his mother passed when he was very young, his beloved grandmother, Katherine Fiala, helped raise him. He graduated from Washington High School in 1960. Wayne worked in the grocery business throughout his life, including Eagle Food Center, which was purchased by Wayne to begin Carousel Foods. After Carousel Foods was closed, he began working for HyVee as a manager for many years, later working part-time'he couldn't seem to get away from the grocery business. Wayne enjoyed coaching little league in Marion while his kids were young, and later became the commissioner of the Marion Baseball League when the boys were in high school. Over 30 years, he helped many young kids to play baseball, even having a field named after him. He was always honored to throw the first pitch when asked. Wayne was a faithful member of Calvin Sinclair Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder for many years. He met Janet Kitterman at work, and they were married October 12, 1991, in Cedar Rapids. Wayne and Jan enjoyed visiting local restaurants, and going on trips to the casinos with their friends. Wayne was a quiet guy, and could be found watching TV or a Hawkeye game with a Pepsi in hand. He enjoyed spending time with family, whom he cherished wholeheartedly.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kari Kay Person; parents; grandmother, Katherine; brother, Leroy; and aunts, Agnes Brewer and Cill Leach.
I worked with Wayne at the Eagle store on Mt. Vernon Road (while I was in high school) from 1968-1971. He was a wonderful boss, very kind and friendly and I learned a lot from him. I ended up in a long career in the grocery business with Nash Finch and Wayne and I crossed paths numerous times because of that. One vivid memory I have is related to a shoplifting incident. Wayne caught a young man shoplifting and as he was taking him into the backroom, two other guys jumped him. Wayne was a strong guy and he held his own until several of us came to help. I also really enjoyed his smile and quiet sense of humor. Pre-microwave/pollution regulations, he taught us how to cook TV dinners on the ledge of the cardboard incinerator when stocking groceries late at night. My sympathies to Wayne’s family and friends. Dan Husmann
Jan and all, we are so sorry to hear of Waynes passing, we talked to Russ and Judy and they let us know. Thinking of you all at this difficult time, and we know he is at Peace, we wish Peace to all of you. Such fond memories of the two of you w/ Leidighs and all of us, great times, really fun times., . sincerely Dave and Beth Barta
Dave, Mindy and family I was very saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing and wish you comfort in knowing you were a special part of his life. Love to you all.
Sending heartfelt sympathy to you and all the family. Brian and Molly Scott
I am so sorry for your loss! Love Britney Courter