Louis John Kara

Louis John Kara died in Redlands on October 6, after a brief illness, at age 76. Born January 6, 1947, to Louis and Julia (Daly) Kara in Berwyn, IL, he moved to Riverside at age 12 with his family. After graduating from Ramona High School, Lou enlisted in the U. S. Navy. He enjoyed serving on USS Saratoga, USS Albany, and USS Bluebird, attaining the rank of chief petty officer. He started work at Diesel Injection Service in 1969 as a diesel technician, retiring as the shop’s general manager in 2016. After living many years in Riverside, he moved to Redlands in 2003.

Lou is survived by Chong Slonecker of Redlands, his partner of 32 years; sister Bev Kiecker (Al) of Apple Valley, MN; brother Larry Kara (Christine) of Escondido; brother-in-law Jon Wenrick (Heidi) of Claremont; four nieces and six nephews of cities from California to the U.K.; many great nieces and nephews; and Chong’s son David and daughter Judy, whose kids called Lou “Grandpa.”

All will miss Uncle Lou’s awesome laugh and great sense of humor. A niece says, “he taught me to how to build a kite, was the first person to ever give each of us a mountain motorcycle ride, and was the BEST Disneyland chaperone ever!” Her brother feels grateful for Uncle Lou’s mentorship. Lou had an inquisitive and analytical mind. Whether it was photography, RC planes, computers, saltwater fish, or growing orchids, he would study until he had mastered the subject.

His family was impressed by his professional heroism in rescuing stranded truckers in the desert when their engines broke down. They are grateful that off duty, he was always willing to help people with their cars, no matter what time of the day or night.

A nephew speaks for all when he says, “even though he never had children of his own, he was the most selfless and considerate family man we could wish for. He was there for so many of our weddings, birthdays, and graduations. He was always giving full support, but never inserting himself as the center of attention. When we gather on the 23rd, we will be celebrating Uncle Lou just as he would have preferred: being together but not making him endure the spotlight of our love and admiration.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Judith Wenrick, and brother John Christopher Kara. He will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery on October 23, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. There will be a luncheon in his honor immediately following.