SMSGT John Franklin Karolson, (USAF, RET), 79 of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020 after a long, courageous battle. He was born Janek Karoliszyn on August 5, 1940 in Deensen, Germany to his late father, Ignacy Karoliszyn and mother, Kunegunda Sternal Karoliszyn. Just months prior to his birth, in January, 1940, his family including three small children, was forced to leave their home in Ludwikowka, Poland due to Nazi invasion, journey to Germany by train in a cattle car and forced to work in labor camps. For the next 10 years his family moved from one D.P. (Displaced People) camp to another. His childhood memories were of raining down of WWII bombs near their camps and the skies black with airplanes. His fondest memories of that time were of the American G.I.'s stationed in Germany that would drive by in their jeeps and give them candy.

In December 1950, at age 10, his family, now with 7 children, was sponsored by the Polish Alliance of Brooklyn USA which enabled them to travel to the United States and begin a new life. They settled in Plainville, CT where John graduated in 1959. On February 29, 1960, because of his love of airplanes and the memories of the American G.I's, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. John was stationed at Spangdahlem AFB Germany, Nellis AFB Las Vegas, Korat AFB Thailand (at which time he changed his name to Karolson), Wright Patterson AFB Dayton OH, Hickam AFB Pearl Harbor HI, and Little Rock AFB where he retired in 1986 with over 26 years of service as an Automatic Flight Control/Avionics Instrument Systems Superintendent.

After retirement, John wanted to own his own business and began a new adventure in real estate rentals. At the peak of his rental career he owned and managed 51 units.

John's passions included playing tennis, running club, competing in marathons, triathlons and biking events well into his 70's. He could also be found at the M.A.R.C.'s club field flying model airplanes until his health no longer permitted. John was also an avid reader and enjoyed any and all WWII, American History and political history books.

John was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sylvia Grievsdorf, and brother, Eugene Karoliszyn.Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Vicki of North Little Rock, AR; sons: John Fitzgiven of Sherwood, AR, Keith M. (Haley) Nelson of Owasso, OK, Steven Nelson of Oolagah, OK; daughter, Michelle Mahoney (Jackie) of Cabot, AR; bonus daughter, Tracie Burt, TX; brothers: Henry Karoliszyn of New York, NY, Zygmunt "Stas" Karoliszyn (Judy) of New Hartford, CT; sisters: Jessica Hunt (Dale) of Atlanta, GA, Ursula Von Rydingsvard of New York, NY, Christine El Guebaly (Sammy) of Bedford, NH; grandchildren: Alex Grievsdorf (Tracy) of Perth Australia, Abigail & Gavin Mahoney of Cabot, AR, Keith G & Lillian Nelson of Owasso, OK, and Christian Mangold of Sherwood, AR; mother-in-law, Barbara Nelson of Essex, IA; sisters-in-law: Terri Clark of Branson, MO and Carolyn Morris of New York; brother-in-law, Bryan Nelson (Tess) of Essex, IA; many nieces, nephews and friends.

May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Memorial Graveside Service with Military Rites will be held

Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.

Bethesda Cemetery, Bethesda, Iowa

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is assisting the family.