Donald Joseph Karas age 81 of Manistee, Michigan died Saturday afternoon, May 28, 2016 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City with his Wife Mary Jane and his niece Marie at his side. He was born on March 15, 1935 in Freesoil Township, Michigan and was the son of the late Edward and Julia (Maske) Karas. Donald married Mary Jane Stamp on October 27, 1973 at Saint John Cantius Catholic Church in Freesoil. Most of his life he was employed at the Hardy Salt Company (AKZO Nobel Salt) until the company closed its operations in Manistee. He was a member of the Catholic Community of Manistee (Saint Joseph Catholic Church). Since he was a young man, Don enjoyed farming and continued to farm evenings and weekends while working at the salt company. He also enjoyed reading car and tractor magazines and was an avid Detroit Tiger Baseball fan.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Karas of Manistee, three sisters and two brothers in-law, Lenida Sobaski of Scottville, Patricia and Robert Racalla of Grand Rapids, and Joan and Ted Edel of Ash Fork, Arizona. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

Don was preceded in death by his brother in-law, John Sobaski.

Mass from The Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend Peter Wigton celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee.

Relatives and friends will pray the Evening Vigil Service on Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and on Thursday morning from 10:00 AM until leaving for the church at 10:40 AM.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.