Albert Karsky

Mr. Albert Frank Karsky "SKI" of Chiefland, FL passed away on Friday, March 6, 2020 at the Hunters Crossing ALF in Gainesville, FL. He was 84. Albert F. Karsky "SKI" was born on November 5, 1935, the son of Frank J. Karsky and Emma Marsh. He grew up on the family farm near Dickinson, North Dakota. At the age of seventeen he joined the Navy with his brother Otto. They were stationed at Green Cove Springs Naval Station, Florida, and was assigned to the USS Columbus -CA-74, where SKI was a welder. While assigned in Green Cove Springs he met Hazel L. Manning at a USO dance. They fell in love and married in 1955. SKI left the Navy when his tour was done in 1956 and relocated to Jacksonville, Florida. He worked in one the many shipyards then in Jacksonville as a welder. When work in the shipyards was slack, he worked in a garage and as an auto mechanic. During this time their family grew to three with their daughter Linda. SKI spoke with Hazel about going back into the service and she said go talk to them it wouldnt hurt to hear what they had to offer. After going to the recruiting station in Jacksonville, he was convinced that the Air Force was the best choice. And the next 26 years was a military career. SKI earned the ranked of Master Sergeant. Some career milestones; crew on C-130 during Operation Deep Freeze 61-62, load master on C-130 and C-141, Crew Chief and engineer on C-5A, member of team to investigate military aircraft crashes worldwide, two tours Viet Nam on C-130 gun ship (Puff the magic dragon) received ground fire over ten separate flights to including evading a Surface to Air missile. Final tour NCOIC of an Air School. SKI retired early to take care of Linda when her health started to fail. He relocated to Orange Park Florida and went to work for BESCO Inc, which he also retired from. During this period of their life, SKI, Hazel and Linda would make a trip once a month to the Mayo Clinic in Illinois for treatments that could take a few days or weeks to complete. Ski would go back to Florida to work and return to drive the girls back from the treatments. BESCO Inc was a very understanding and compassionate company to work for, SKI and Hazel always had high praise for this company. SKI and Hazel moved to their retirement home in Chiefland after Linda lost her battle with a brain tumor in 1994. They were very active with church, extended family and friends. SKI was a Lay Speaker and taught Sunday School for many years until health issues prevented first Hazel and then SKI from attending activities outside their home. SKI loved to garden and always had plenty of vegetables for friends and neighbors. He loved to mow his yard, two or more times a week. SKI is survived by wife Hazel of 65 years. SKI is predeceased by his daughter Linda Mees and siblings, Laudie Karsky, Otto Karsky, Elsie Sandowsky and Ludwig Karsky. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Hazel; siblings, Frank Karsky, Ed (Eddie) Karsky and Tillie Volesky, many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand nephews. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church of Chiefland, FL with Rev. Richard Blue officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 AM. There will be a private burial in Jacksonville, FL. Arrangements are under the care of the Knauff Funeral Home, Chiefland, FL.(352)493-4777 Visitation First United Methodist Church of Chiefland Thursday, March 12, 2020 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 707 N. Main Street Chiefland, FL 32626 Funeral Service First United Methodist Church of Chiefland Thursday, March 12, 2020 11:00 AM 707 N. Main Street Chiefland, FL 32626