Obituary: Oscar Karp - Class of 1938

MADISON - Oscar Karp, age 86, died on Monday, Dec. 25, 2006, at HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Oscar was born on July 27, 1920, in La Crosse. He lived his early years at Preston, Minn. Oscar graduated from Madison Central High School in 1938 and the University of Wisconsin in 1948. Oscar served for three and a half years with the U.S. Air Force, two and a half years in England during World War II. Oscar's life was spent in retail management and sales, including 20 years with Gimbles-Milwaukee, and Hilldale- Madison. He also managed some of the first large discount department stores in Detroit, South Bend, Minneapolis and Omaha. Oscar was a volunteer, a blood donor and seven year employee of The American Red Cross in Madison. Survivors include his brothers, Harold of California, Joseph of Oregon, and Mike (Helen) of Arizona; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Oscar was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Helen (Setlick) Karp; his father, Michael; his mothers, Anna (Tobias) Karp and Sarah (Berg) Karp; brother, Howard; and nephews, John and Charles. Graveside Services for Oscar were held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006, at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Beth Israel Synagogue, 1406 Mound St., Madison, WI 53711; The American Red Cross, 4860 Sheboygan Ave., Madison, WI 53705; HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; or Independent Living, 602 North Segoe Road, Madison, WI 53705. "Nothing is sweeter than Love, nothing stronger, nothing loftier, nothing grander, nothing pleasanter, nothing fuller, nothing better in Heaven or on Earth." Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 27, 2007