Raymond E. Karvel
Raymond E. Karvel, age 96, of Wabasha, formerly of Rochester, died Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at St. Elizabeth’s Health Care Center in Wabasha. He was a real estate broker and developer during his working years. He was born April 17, 1918 in Merrill, Wisconsin. He was a graduate of Rochester High School. Ray served during World War II building air bases in the Artic and in the Army Air Corps. He married Eldora McCown in 1940 in Winona. Ray was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Rochester and a 33rd degree Mason.
Together they owned and operated Karvel, Inc. and Karvel Insurance Agency. Karvel, Inc. developed the Baily subdivision in Rochester and the Hiawatha Valley Estates in Wabasha. The couple moved to Wabasha in 1975 where they operated Karvel Antiques in Oronoco and Wabasha. Eldora died September 20, 2007.
Ray is survived by three sons, George Karvel, St. Cloud, MN, John Karvel, Cross Lake, MN, Andrew Karvel, Lansing, IA; four granddaughters Rael Rodning, Northfield, MN, Ryan Karvel, Tempe, AZ, Thomera Erickson, Monticello, MN and Julia Karvel, St. Paul, MN; six great-grandchildren, Bronte and Tristan Fuller and Kieran and Sumner Rodning, Northfield, MN and Annika and Alex Erickson, Monticello, MN. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eldora and son, Tom Karvel.
His body has been cremated. No services are planned. The family prefers memorials to St. Elizabeth’s Community Development Foundation, 1200 5th Grant Blvd. W. Wabasha, MN 55981. Personal messages may be sent to the Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha or www.abbottfh.com. Arrangements have been provided by the Abbott Funeral Home.
