Raymond Karabin

Age 92 of Kalamazoo, formerly of Bellaire, MI and Lansing, IL, passed away late Wednesday afternoon, October 1, 2025. Ray was born in Chicago, IL on December 17, 1932, the son of Franciszek “Frank” and Helen Sofia (Kawa) Karabin. On August 5, 1972 he married Marguerite Rose Albrecht who survives him. Ray proudly served his nation in the United States Air Force, serving as a jet mechanic during the Korean War. He went to Bradley University on the G.I. Bill, obtaining a degree in engineering. He worked for many years at J.M. Foster Construction Company in Gary IN, retiring in 1994. In his retirement, he and Marguerite opened a gourmet coffee shop in Bellaire called Apron Strings, which became a gathering place for friends and visitors. He was active in the Bellaire Lions Club, Bellaire Conservation Club and was a member at St. Luke’s Catholic Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking and classic car restoration. He was especially proud of the 1964 Sunbeam Alpine that he restored. He was also an avid boater and sailor. He and Marguerite sailed all over the world with friends. Besides his wife, Ray is survived by his son, Robert (Amy) Samples of Kalamazoo; grandchildren Robin Samples and William Samples; great grandson, Declan French; a cousin, Diane Abernathy; and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.