John Edward Carl Karjalainen, 88, of Hot Springs passed away Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, at the VA Medical Center in Hot Springs.
John served in the U.S. Army from 1944, until his honorable discharge in 1946.
In 1966, John married Marcelene Fleming. They had one son. In 1991, John married Patricia Mueller.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marcelene; and four brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia, of Hot Springs; son, Brett, of Erie, Colo.; brothers: Elmer and Fred of Aberdeen; five stepchildren; and nine grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Hot Springs with Pastor Dwayne Hunzeker officiating.
Interment will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in John's name to benefit St. John's Lutheran Church or the Naja Shrine Hospital Travel Fund, 4091 Sturgis Road, Rapid City, SD 57702.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.
Written condolences may be made to mccolleyschapels.com.