Arthur J. Karam

Arthur John Karam went home to be with the Lord on May 12, 2014, at Covenant Hospital. He was 96 years old, and a longtime resident of Saginaw. Art was born February 11, 1918 in Houghton, MI to Charles and Karma (Kirkish) Karam, who had emigrated from Lebanon in 1911. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian, sisters Marie Kempainen and Anne Karam of Houghton, and his brother Joseph of Marquette, MI. Art attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton before enlisting in the Navy, following Pearl Harbor. He proudly served as an engineering officer on the battleship USS Idaho for 3 years. Art married Marian Schnaufer after completing his officer training. He received his Metallurgical Engineering degree at Michigan Tech and then began a 34-year career with Central Foundry Division of General Motors Corporation, where he served as plant manager of Saginaw Malleable Iron, and Director of Foundry & Govt. Relations. Art was very active in the Saginaw Community involved with Boy Scouts, United Way, O.I.C., Saginaw Manufacturers Assn., American Foundrymen's Assn., Saginaw Valley Industrial Executives Club, among others. Art was an ardent supporter of his alma mater, Michigan Technological University. He served on numerous fund-raising campaigns, chairing several. He was President of the University Alumni Assn. from 1964-66, and received the Silver Medal Award in 1968. In 1981 Art was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, and in 1983 was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He is also a member of the Michigan Tech University Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his hockey days at university. Art is survived by children Kay (Terry) Satchell of Hendersonville, NC, John of Clarkston, MI, Robert (Valerie) of Hickory Corners, MI, and Joan (David) Nichols, of Saginaw; grandchildren Matt (Jen) Satchell, Lindsay (Courtney Cahill) Satchell, Jamie Nichols, Spencer (Jessie) Karam, and Madison Karam; 2 great-grandchildren Alistair and Finn Cahill; his sister Virginia Borth, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2014 at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Pastor Bill Bodner will officiate with entombment to follow in Roselawn Mausoleum. Military honors will be under the auspices of American Legion Post #439. Friends may call at the chapel from 4:00 7:00 p.m. Wednesday and from 10:00 a.m. Thursday until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Michigan Tech or Old Town Christian Outreach.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603