Karl Theddious Anthony Moravek

Obituary Karl T. A. Moravek, LTCol. USAF, Ret.
February 6, 1925-March 11, 2019

Karl T. A. Moravek, died peacefully while under the care of Hospice in the same home (Township of Elk) where he was born in 94 years ago. He was born to Karol (aka Charles) & Mary (Daniel) Moravek and was the 8th of 9 children. His sister Caroline Kloga is the remaining member of the original family.
Karl married Marguerite Cummings in 1946 at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Phillips, Wisconsin. He is survived by 5 children; Bill (Vernette), Barry (Hai Young), Brian (Ann), Brad & Beth (Rich); 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
He attended the Price County Normal School and graduated with the Phillips High School in 1944. Karl went on active duty in February 1944 and served as an assist engineer/waist gunner on a B-17 Bomber Crew with the 8th Air Force, 385th Bomber Group in England. He flew combat missions against Germany, France and Czechoslovakia. Karl also flew “Mercy Missions” dropping food to the starving civilians in Holland and Belgian. The 8th Air Force in England is recorded as having the highest (40%) casualty rate during WW II of any U.S. military combat units.
After WW II Karl attended UW Superior and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. through the United States AFROTC program. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict and continued service in the Air Force until retirement in 1968 as a Lt Col. Karl served during WW II, Korean Conflict & the Vietnam conflict which included serving 8 years overseas. His last military assignment was as Professor of Aerospace Studies, at UW Superior.
Other key positions held by Karl during his military & civilian careers were: Member of a B-17 Bomber Crew, Commander of 3 different Air Force Squadrons, Base Adjutant, Provost Marshal and Member of the 8th Air Force Inspector Generals Staff. After retirement from the service he was appointed the UW Superior Alumni Director and Placement Director.


Karl received a B S Degree and Masters Degree in Education from UW Superior. He graduated from the Air Force Squadron Officer’s School in 1953 and the Air Force Command and Staff College in 1962. His Military awards include the following: Ariel Gunner Wings, Air Medal with 2 Clusters, Commendation Medal with Cluster, 3 battle stars, France “DIPOME’-(participated in liberation of France) and participated in liberation of Czechoslovakia-Apr/May 1945.
Karl was involved in volunteer work in the communities his family resided. In Superior he was President of the Superior Rotary Club, and President of the Superior 4th of July Commission. He held offices in the Father John Patrick Slowey Phillips’ Knights of Columbus Council, and the Phillips Community Czechoslovakian Festival. Karl was subsequently selected as the Phillips Area Chamber of Commerce “2003” Citizen of the Year.” From the time he was in high school through college and active duty he enjoyed participating in a variety of sports to include hunting and fishing. His philosophy of life can be summed up by Matthew 25:21 “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He was known as a person who always wanted to make a positive influence in people’s life. In lieu of flowers, donation may be given to Flambeau Home Health and Hospice or the Honor Flight c/o the VFW.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 23, at Saint Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church in Phillips with Father Gerald Hagen celebrating the funeral Mass. As part of the services the Knights of Columbus Father John Slowey Council No 2963 will conduct fraternal services and the Lane Kreiling American Legion Post N.122 and the Frank and Michael Baran VFW Post No. 5778 will conduct military honors. Interment will be in the Saint Patrick Cemetery in Phillips. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.heindlfuneralhome.com
The Heindl Funeral Home in Phillips is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.