Louise Karnowski

Louise Frances Blanchat Karnowski made her journey to the Lord on June 6, 2018 at the Valley Vista Home in Wamego, Kansas. She was born in Anthony, Kansas on August 31st, 1924 to Arthur Louis and Mary Catherine Fitzpatrick Blanchat. She graduated from Emporia High School and earned her nursing degree in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She worked as a registered nurse in Onaga Hospital, Wamego Hospital, and in private practice. Louise married David Edwin Karnowski on July 25th, 1946 in Emerald, Kansas. He preceded her in death on January 29th, 1997. Prior to his passing, they celebrated 50 years of marriage and were blessed with fourteen children: David John (Nanette); Peter Michael; Bill (Sue), all of Wamego; Marie (Keith) Stutterheim Weston, MO; Leon (Ginger) Topeka, KS; Lucy (Dave) Berringer Terrell, TX; Richard (Barbara) Emmett, KS; Jaque Eichman (Gary Arth) Cape Coral, FL; Andrew (Dixie) Overland Park, KS; Marilyn (John) Immenschuh St. Marys, KS; Marcia (Rich) Stevenson of Emmett, KS; Carolyn (Alan) Bertels St. Marys, KS; Vikki Boatwright of Meriden, KS; Jean (Mark) Miller of Charlotte, NC. Louise and Dave were blessed with 45 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. She is survived by a brother, Arthur (Dee) Blanchat of Covington, LA. Preceding her in death were her siblings: Louis (Geraldine) Blanchat, Anna Mary (Wilfred) Burenheide; Bernadette (Myron) Stueve; Nellie (Carl) Marstall; and Patricia (Ken) Lamb. Also preceding her in death was 1 grandchild and 1 great-grandchild. She was a strong advocate of education and instilled this appreciation in her children. She was fondly called "a walking dictionary" and was a talented poet/writer who loved to collect books. She even attended college in her late 60's. She also loved gardening. Louise was an active member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Emmett, then Immaculate Conception, St. Marys where she was a faithful Adoration Chapel adorer. Later, she attended St. Bernard's of Wamego until her death. Visitation is from 4-6pm Sunday at Immaculate Conception Church, followed by a rosary. Mass of Christian Burial is at 10am Monday June 11th, followed by interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Newbury near Paxico. Because Louise delighted in all children, memorial contributions would be welcome in support of the literacy program Read a Book, Earn a Book (www.rbebtutoring.org).