John A. Karpinski passed away peacefully November 30 at Ruth Hospice in West Allis at the age of 83. He was born in Milwaukee on December 5, 1933, which he liked to point out was the same day prohibition was repealed in the U.S., ostensibly in celebration of his birth. John held many jobs as a young man, but ultimately served Milwaukee County as a deputy sheriff for 24 years, having received their Purple Heart award. He was a longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Faith Community in Hales Corners, having logged many hours in the past running the church Bingo nights and parish festival events. He was named Man of the Year by the parish Holy Name Society in 1979. More recently, he was a member of the First Friday Men's Club. John enjoyed traveling with his family, the highlight of which was a visit to Barcelona in 2014, where he was able to visit La Sagrada Familia cathedral, a "bucket list" item for him. He was fascinated by technology and eagerly sought out the best bargains he could find on the latest gadgets. He regretted not living long enough to see self-driving cars become commonplace. John was the devoted husband of 49 years to Dolores "Dolly" (Krysiak), loving father to Julie (Paul) Bunczak of Wausau and Brighton (Kathleen) West of Portland, Oregon, and adoring grandfather to Maria and Leo Bunczak of Wausau. He is further survived by his brother, Louis (Jean) and sister, Ann (Patrick) Kulas, brother-in-law Ted Trzaska and sisters-in-law Joyce, Betty and Cheryl Krysiak, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Anna (Niedzwiecki), brother Edmund (the late Vivian), sisters Mary Ann Janke (the late Herman) and Theresa Trzaska and brothers-in-law Ralph, Casimir and Jerome Krysiak. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Froedtert Hospital Center for Advanced Care and the Ruth Hospice. A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 9, at 1 pm at St. Mary's in Hales Corners. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Mary's parish school, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, or the charity of your choice.