Jeffrey Michael Karla

Jeffrey M. Karla, born on January 4, 1953 and passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the age of sixty-nine.  A loving husband and dedicated father, he had a big, effervescent personality and an unparalleled ability to light up any room and will be sorely missed by the many people who loved him.

A graduate of Parma Senior High School (1971) and Ohio University (1975), Jeff loved golf, music, and spending time with his family and friends. Loyal until the end, he never lost faith in Cleveland’s professional sports teams, no matter how dire the season. He had fiercely strong opinions on how to stack the charcoal in your barbecue grill, and could often be found grilling bratwurst in the back yard with a cheap beer in hand and a great story to tell.

Supportive of his family and his community, he served as a youth sports coach for many years and is remembered fondly by those who played for him. He was a proud volunteer for Meals-on-Wheels and loved stopping by to chat with everyone on his route.

He is survived by his beloved wife Lynne, his children Shannon Colabrese (Antonio) and Erin Munsey (Ryan), his siblings Christine Echard (Darrell), Paul Karla (Susan), Alan Karla (Ellie), and Russel Karla. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Karla, and father, Joseph Karla of Parma, Ohio.

Jeff was an avid reader who visited the library several times a week to check out books and read the Cleveland Plain Dealer. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State Street, Westerville, OH 43081.

Not one for somber affairs and formality, Jeff did not want a traditional funeral service. As a toast to his fun-loving spirit, please join us for “JeffFest: A Celebration of Life” at his local watering hole, Joe’s Pub & Grill, 8453 Sancus Blvd, Columbus OH 43240 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on January 4, 2023, and raise a glass to a life that was undeniably well-lived.

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