William Karg

Rev. William D. Karg, 82, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2021.

Fr. William Karg, was born and raised in Akron, and baptized at St. Sebastian Church. He was ordained a priest on May 23, 1964 after attending St. Meinrad Seminary, Borromeo and St. Mary Seminary in Cleveland. A life-long learner, following ordination Fr. Karg continued his education earning a Certificate in Urban Ministry at Case Western University, 1969; M. Div., St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland, 1977; Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the University of St. Thomas, Rome, Italy, 1982; The Jesuit School of Theology, Berkley, CA, 1993; Creighton University, Omaha; and the Ignatian Spirituality Institute at John Carroll University 2013.

He served at many parishes in the Diocese of Cleveland including St. Vincent de Paul, Epiphany (pastor), St. Catherine and St. Henry (pastor), all in Cleveland, then returned to Akron as pastor of St. Sebastian. He served for three years at the North American College in Rome, Italy as instructor in Pastoral practice.

After retiring in 2008, he provided Liturgical services in parishes, in churches and institutions in the Cleveland-Akron area. He directed numerous retreats and provided spiritual direction for many. He also volunteered at the Peter Maurin Center in Akron and was a driving force in bringing the Ignatian Spirituality Project to Akron, providing retreats to addicted and homeless people.

Fr. Karg was known as a person who worked for racial harmony, inclusivity and diversity, with a special concern to the poor and disenfranchised. During his pastorate he worked at bringing together disparate people, groups and organizations with an eye toward bringing unity and understanding between peoples. Fr. Karg will always be remembered as a welcoming person with a kind word to say to everyone (even if his opening line was often "and your name is?") He was a minister to all, treasured brother to his siblings, dear friend to many and beloved favorite uncle to all his nieces and nephews.

Fr. Karg was very active into his eighties. In addition to good conversation, dining out with family and friends and reading, he enjoyed being outdoors bicycling, hiking, skiing and swimming.

He was preceded in death by his parents Germaine A. and Frank J. Karg; brothers James, F. and Thomas J. Karg, sister Marie T. Graham; and nephew Dan Karg. He was the special uncle to Thomas D. (Katy) Karg, Maryann (Gilbert) Neal, Margaret Karg, William J. (Stefanie) Karg, Susie (Augie) Russo, Cindy (Jack) Freudeman, Tim (Tannen) Graham, Linda (Joe) Lynch, Kathy (Jim) Richards, Carol (Rick) Schloss, Don (Nancy) Karg, Mike (Lori) Karg, Frank (Maureen) Karg and many great-nieces and nephews.


The family of Fr. Karg would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Molly Scantling and the staff at the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center who cared for Fr. Karg. You all were truly angels sent from heaven to care for Fr. Karg in his final weeks of life. The love and compassion you showed to our Uncle Bill will be remembered always.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 24, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 476 Mull Avenue., Akron 44320 at 10:00 a.m., Most Rev. Roger Gries, O.S.B., Principal Celebrant. Vespers Friday, April 23, at 6 p.m., Most Rev. Edward Malesic Presiding, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Calling hours 3-4:30 p.m. and immediately following vespers until 8 p.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. (facemasks required during all events) Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed via www.youtube.com/StSebastianParish.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fr. William D. Karg Faith Formation Fund at St. Sebastian Church, 476 Mull Ave., Akron OH 44320 or the Peter Maurin Center, P.O. Box 1105, Hudson, OH 44236.