William “Doug” Karius, 74, of Shiloh, IL, born on October 15, 1952, in Belleville, IL, passed away October 23, 2026, at home with his family.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold Joseph and Violet M. Karius (née Mueller); Sisters Karen (Karius) Sabaleski & Bonnie (Karius) Urban; Mother & father in law Dorothy (Hull) & Bernard Henry; In laws Dennis Sabaleski, Wayne Urban, Alex Lambros, Jerry Henry, MaryAnn (Henry) & Roy Winans, John Henry, Bob Henry, Larry Henry, Rich Henry & Ed Wilson.
Doug is survived by his wife Jean Karius (nee Henry); three children, Tina Karius of Shiloh, IL, William (Jen) Karius, Jr. of O’Fallon, IL, Chris (Natalie) Karius of Belleville, IL; sister, Joel Lambros of O’Fallon, IL; brother, Joe (Ray) Karius Harrison; four grandchildren, Tessa Karius, William Karius III, Avery Karius and Sloan Karius; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Doug grew up in Shiloh, Illinois, and graduated from O’Fallon Township High School in 1970. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. During his 16 years of military service, Doug’s active duty assignments took him across the United States and overseas, including New Jersey, Texas, Belgium, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Hawaii. He was immensely proud of his military service and honored to have served his country.
After leaving the Army, Doug continued his commitment to public service. He worked for the Village of Shiloh for several years before beginning a career as a civil servant at Scott Air Force Base. He served there faithfully until his retirement in October 2016.
Doug’s dedication to his community was reflected in his many years with the Shiloh Improvement Association and his work organizing the annual Shiloh Homecoming Picnics. He also took great pride in helping to design the 9/11 Memorial in Shiloh Park, creating a lasting place for the community to honor those lost, remember the heroes who responded, and reflect on the values he cherished.
While he was proud of his military service, career accomplishments, and contributions to his community, nothing brought him greater joy than the people he loved. He shared 53 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jean. Together they built a family that became Doug’s greatest source of pride and happiness. Above all, Doug loved being a grandpa. His grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He adored his children and welcomed his daughters-in-law into the family with open arms.
Doug treasured every opportunity to spend time with his family and friends. Whether gathered around the table sharing stories and laughter, relaxing on the front porch, casting a fishing line, or simply enjoying one another’s company, he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. Doug never passed up a chance to win at family game night, happily collecting quarters from unsuspecting family members along the way.
Doug’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
A visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at Schildknecht Funeral Home; 301 S. Lincoln Ave., O’Fallon, IL 62269.
Funeral services will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Shiloh Township Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
