Laurita Marie Karlin, 91, Hays, died Thursday, December 9, 2021, at HaysMed.
She was born May 17, 1930, in Hays, one of 13 children of Anna Mary (Schuetz) and John J. Schmidt, Jr. On June 14, 1948, she was united in marriage to Francis H. “Blackie” Karlin in Catharine, and they celebrated nearly 47 years of marriage before he died on April 7, 1995. Laurita was a homemaker and prepared delicious German dishes and desserts for her family. She was a waitress and server at Al’s Chickenette and the FHSU Memorial Union and a caregiver for her grandchildren. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and former member of the Daughters of Isabella. Laurita enjoyed polka and square dancing, crocheting, embroidery, and singing. She will be fondly remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
Survivors include three sons: James Karlin and Dennis Karlin and wife Cathleen all of Hays, and Jerry Karlin and wife Nancy of Greeley, CO, seven grandchildren: Angela Karlin, Tony Karlin and wife Rachel, Audrey Karlin and Brandon Wilt, Anne Gibbs and husband Ryan, Ali Davis and husband Andrew, Julia Nisly and husband Grant, and Blake Karlin, 16 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Blackie, two sons: Johnny Ray and Jay Karlin, seven brothers: Norbert, Edgar, William, Hilarius, Francis J., Harold, and Robert J. Schmidt, and five sisters: Alexia Sander, Angela Rohr, Clara Schmidt, Florene Froelich, and Maria Schmidt.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Nick Parker officiating. Burial will follow in St. Catherine Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:00 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to St. Catherine Cemetery. Condolences and memories of Laurita may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com