Joseph Lee Karlin, beloved husband, father, grandfather and community leader, passed away on December 10, 2024, at the age of 57 after a four-year battle with cancer. He was born on August 19,1967, in Great Bend, Kansas.
After graduating from Great Bend High School, Joe continued his education at Kansas State University, where he joined the Theta Xi fraternity, forging lifelong friendships and brotherhood. He met his future wife, Amy, on a blind date at a sorority party at the University of Kansas. Together, they celebrated nearly 33 years of marriage and were blessed with four children and two grandsons.
Joe graduated with a degree in accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant, beginning his career at Deloitte & Touche. He later transitioned into the credit union industry, where he worked at US Central Credit Union and served as a consultant before establishing his own credit union consulting business. He was a visionary entrepreneur, also owning the Lenexa Car Wash for 25 years while continually seeking the next big invention. A dedicated community member, Joe joined the Lenexa Planning Commission in 2004 and became a member of theLenexa City Council in 2008, a role he held until his passing. He was passionate about giving back and serving others in his community.
Joe was a committed family man with a generous heart and infectious smile. He had an aptitude for tackling projects and an enthusiasm for expanding his knowledge. His happiest moments were spent with his family, especially at the Lake of the Ozarks, where he cherished driving his boat and napping in the sun. Above all, Joe lived his life with unwavering faith, striving to embody his love for God in all he did.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, Leroy Karlin; mother, Arlene Karlin; and son, Thomas Karlin. He is survived by his loving wife, Amy Karlin; daughters Anna Harrison (Palmer) and Mary Beth Karlin; and son Benjamin Karlin (Abbey). He is also survived by his grandsons, Nehemiah and Isaiah Harrison, and siblings Mary Waite (Mel), Susan Broeckelman (Rod), Jerry Karlin (Judy), and Jean Karlin (Joe). He will be cherished and remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to KC Hospice; NCircle, a foundation dedicated to help incarcerated individuals reintegrate and rebuild their lives after release; Faith Love Hope Win, a local foundation that spreads awareness and support of prostate cancer research.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 beginning with a visitation at 9:00am, followed by the service at 11:30am at Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219. His spirit, energy and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.