George Joseph Karels Jr., age 61 of Waverly, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 25, 1963, to George and Laura (Bokusky) Karels in Winsted, Minnesota.

George grew up in Waverly and was a lifelong resident of Woodland Township. George met the love of his life Ann Klingelhoets in 1980, and they were wed in 1982. To this union, 6 children were blessed.

Family was George’s focus. Hosting and being with family put him in his peaceful place. He was known for finding a grandchild and sliding off into a secluded corner to spend quality time with them. George had a way with children and preferred them to adults.

George owned and operated the family business, KBS, Karels Brothers and Sons and grew the business into a complete recycling conglomerate.

George had a way to draw people into the Karels family and whatever the family was up to. He was the mischievous instigator and role model to many.

George was preceded in death by his parents George and Laura (Bokusky) Karels; father-in-law Donald Klingelhoets, aunts and uncles and other extended family.  He is survived by his wife Ann; children Charity (David) Marketon, Philip (Monique) Karels, Joseph (Sara) Karels, Bethany (Joshua) Vogelpohl, Courtney (Tyler) Schumann, George III. “Drew” (Ashley) Karels; 16 grandchildren Christopher (Alix) Marketon, Destiny Pryatel, Casey Marketon, Josh Marketon, Phoebe Karels, Dominic Karels, Georgyanna Marketon, Keanen Schumann, Castiel Karels, Reagan Karels, Emmalyne Schumann, Haelen Karels, Cyrus Karels, Josclynn “JJ” Vogelpohl, Beau Schumann, Case Vogelpohl; one great grandchild Oliver Marketon and one on the way; siblings and spouses Roger and Karen Karels, Tom Karels, John and Kim Karels, Bruce and Holly Karels, Daryl and Shannon Karels, Marvin and Gayle Karels, Dale and Laura Karels, Jacob and Angie Karels;  Brenda Amundson, Diane and Steve Hoiland, Susie and David Brown, Roseann and Dave Lent; honorary family members Shawna and Galen Krummel, Wayne Zitzloff, Lily Pepper, Layla Johnson, Jazzy Johnson, Zander Johnson and Rhea and Ki Walters; as well as many nieces, nephews cousins and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Church of St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Tuesday, May 6^th, with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service and will continue from 10-11 AM Wednesday prior to Mass, all at the church. Interment in the church cemetery.