Donald W. Karbowski, age 90 of Batesville, Indiana passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at Margaret Mary Health in Batesville. Born August 10, 1933, in Batesville, he is the son of Cecilia (Nee: Becker) and Peter Karbowski. He married Joan Hermesch on August 20, 1960, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville and she preceded him in death April 23, 2023. Don was a proud employee of Hillenbrand Industries/Batesville Casket Company, where he worked for 39 years until he retired. He was lifelong member of St. Louis Catholic Church and was an Army veteran during the Korean War.
Don was elected and served as a Batesville City Councilman for six, four-year terms. He was appointed and served on the Batesville Parks Board for 20 years. He was very proud of the expansion of the parks throughout Batesville, including the soccer and baseball fields, Brums Woods, the new skateboard park, and the community trail that tie them all together. He was a founding member of the Batesville Historical Society and was proud when that group established a permanent location in Batesville. Don was on the Board of Directors for Margaret Mary Health for 18 years and was very proud of our local hospital. He was a Past President of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Ripley County Tourism Commission. He was an inaugural member of the Southeastern Indiana YMCA as well as a member and proud supporter for over 30 years. Don was the Co-Chairperson of Batesville’s Sesquicentennial Campaign and was very pleased with the many events that took place during that celebration. In 2004, he was the recipient of Batesville’s Distinguished Service Award and was selected as a past King of the Batesville Kiwanis Applefest.
He is survived by his sons David P. (Angie) Karbowski of Greensburg, Indiana, Thomas W. (Jessica) Karbowski of Batesville and Michael J. (Susan) Karbowski of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandchildren Heather, Lauren, Megan, Caroline, Jack and Katherine Karbowski; great grandchildren Jade and Julien Lopez, Bella Karbowski, Ava, Amina, and Kensington Lord. In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by his brother James C. Karbowski and sisters Helen Thielking, Blanche Goldsmith, and Betty Stirn.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 14th, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. Funeral services follow at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home, with Fr. Stan Pondo officiating. The burial will be at St. Louis Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to See 3D, Inc., 8772 Arcturus Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45249, or online at: https://see3d.org/donate. See3D is a non-profit organization that manages the printing and distribution of 3D printed models for people who are blind. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.