Jeffrey Charles Karas

Jeffrey Charles Karas, 48, of Hiawatha, IA passed away Monday, September 8, 2025 at Silver Oak Care Center in Marion IA, under the care of Suncrest Hospice. Funeral services will be held at 11 30 am on Monday September 15, 2025 at Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Marion. The family will greet friends from 9:30 am until service time on Monday at the Funeral Home. Burial of cremains will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Luncheon at the funeral home will follow.

Our beloved son Jeffrey was born at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids on June 20, 1977 to Paula (McGarvey) and Rex Karas. Jeff attended St. Joseph’s school in Marion from kindergarten through 8th grade. He attended Regis High School and graduated from Linn Mar High School in 1995. He later took classes at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. Jeff worked at many Cedar Rapids/Marion eating establishments over the years.

As a young child, Jeff really kept his parents on their toes. But he loved big always and was full of empathy. His blond/white hair and sparkly eyes could draw in all he met. He was a master of his Matchbox Cars and would play for hours lining them up and laying out roads. He cherished his game and card playing time around the table with family and friends (especially when Grandma shouted YAHTZEE!). He had a very soft spot in his heart for cats, and nothing cheered him up more than a good cat video. Jeff appreciated all kinds of music - from the ‘60s tunes in his Mom’s car, to Journey (“Faithfully”), Tom McDonald (“Church”), Jelly Roll, and everything in between. Jeff enjoyed times with his wide circle of friends, watching football and movies and entertaining friends with his culinary skills. His favorite teams were the Philadelphia Eagles and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Jeff is survived by his mother and stepfather, Paula and Ken Ladage of Marion, his father, Rex Karas of Mt. Vernon, and his son, Jonathan Kortenkamp of Anoka, MN. He also leaves siblings: Heather (Doug) Allen, K. David (LeAnne) Ladage, Mark (Bonnie) Ladage, and Brandy Ladage. He is survived by a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Sylvester and Blanche McGarvey (Hudson) and Elwin and Helen Karas (Anita) and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorials may be directed to the family for organizations that were meaningful to Jeff and his family.