FORT BRANCH, Ind. — Ronald P. "Bear" Karaff, 66, of Fort Branch, passed away at his residence on Sunday, May 31, 2009. He was born to the late Michael and Maxine (McIntyre) Karaff on Jan. 11, 1943 in LaPorte, Ind.

Bear as he was known by his many friends was a member of the VFW post 2714 in Fort Branch and the Haubstadt American Legion Post 194. He was also on the board of directors of the Princeton Mens Bowling Assn. at Gibson Lanes. He was of the Baptist faith. Ron was retired after 36 years of service at Whirlpool Corp. in Evansville.

Besides his parents he is preceded in death by 5 brothers and 1 sister, Lyndel, Jim, Richard, Jerry, and Bill Karaff, and Pat Richardson.

Ron is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dorothy (Spindler) Karaff; 2 daughters and their spouses, Lisa (James) McEllhiney of Francisco, Ind., and Paula (Mark) Hertel of Evansville; 1 brother, Terry (Connie) Karaff of Fort Branch, IN.; sister, Pam (Mike) White of Patoka, Ind.; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Bridgett Richardson of Fort Branch; and 8 grandchildren, A.J. and Michael Sims, Austin, Isabel and Ethan McEllhiney, Coleman, Clayton, and Colton Hertel.

Services for Ron will be on Friday, June 5, at 10 a.m. at the Stodghill Funeral Home located on Hwy. 168 West in Fort Branch, Father Raymond Brenner will be officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Branch. Military services will be conducted at the graveside by the Fort Branch VFW Post 2714 and the Haubstadt American Legion Post 194. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 4, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.