David H. Karwoski
March 21, 1951 ~ December 23, 2011
Retired Washington County Sheriff Age 60 of Scandia, passed away December 23, 2011. Survived by wife, Vernette; sons, Jason and Jake; parents, Don and Jeanne; siblings, Onnolee (Rich) Erickson and Peter; nieces, nephews and many friends. Visitation 4-8 PM Tues, Dec. 27th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake. Funeral service 1 PM Wed. Dec. 28th at the funeral home with visitation beginning at 12 Noon until time of service. Memorials preferred.
This photo was taken during my End of Mission (EOM) ceremony. I always enjoyed my conversations with Dave, and appreciated the generosity in which he shared his photographic skills with all of us assigned to JSS Shield (the Best Kept Secret in Iraq). At my request Dave took photos of several Iraqi Police generals we worked with, and presented the officers with professional grade portraits. In so doing he forged goodwill with our Iraqi partners. I can only imagine how proud these Iraqi men were to show these fine portraits to their family members. Dave did this at his own expense, never willing to accept payment for these services that were performed in addition to his normal work as a civilian police advisor.
This photo was taken of Dave on the day he photographed my end of mission (EOM) ceremony in late April 2011, as he had done for countless others over the years. He usually provided departing service members with a CD of all the photos he took during the ceremony, which normally numbered over a hundred. In these photos he always captured those standing around in the audience, some of whom we might not otherwise remember were it not for the photos Dave took and shared so freely.
This photo was taken after Dave had finished a photo shoot of all the ITAM-Police and ITAM-MOI personnel assigned at JSS Shield in 2010 prior to RDML Ray’s departure. Brigadier General Smith and Rear Admiral Ray were the two senior officers assigned to the base.
This photo of Dave was taken around April 2011 at JSS Shield in Baghdad, Iraq.
Mr. Karwoski you were my favorite professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Your sense of humour and ability to make serious curriculum interesting and practical is what I remember the most from my time as one of your pupils. You were always able to convert theory into practical exercises. Something that touched my heart was the personal letters you wrote to your Senior students. I cherish that letter and recently I read it. Your observations proved to be true and I took your advice. You were a good man with a big heart and smile. I am very saddened to hear of your passing.
I just learned of Professor Karwoski’s passing. Karwoski was my favorite professor at MNSU. He could make even the dullest class interesting and fun to go to. I will always remember his huge smile and generous heart. Thank you for everything you taught me that has helped to make me the police officer I am today. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. Karwoski may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. RIP.
Karowski family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Dave was a big teddy bear and always brought a smile to our faces. I loved working with him at Shield, 2011. I was his official photo shade holder, it was fun! He was an extremely talented photographer and I learned alot from him, which now shows in my pictures. Thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
My condolences to Dave’s family. Dave and I worked side by side for twelve months in Iraq. Beyond the depth of his generosity, well noted by others here, Dave also had sincere friendships with and repect for his Iraqi hosts. They were always pleased to see him and shouts of “Dave” would emanate from offices as we walked the hall of the Ministry of Interior. He was quick to develop friends and generous to a fault. My best wishes to all of you.
Such a sad and profound loss of an individual who brought smiles to so many faces during our time at JSS Shield. Dave always took the time to make each of us feel special for our picture at that “most famous tree” at Shield. He was an inspiration to many, and his memory will live on forever. God Bless you Karwoski Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave- May the true “Gold Wings” escort you home! Tim
I am lost for words I meet Dave while working at FOB Shield and he was a kind and giving man, always had a smile on his face, he is going to be greatly missed by all the Shield family. RIP my friend. I will keep his friends and family in my prayers.
David went to Iraq in part to pay for his Ph.D studies in Adult Education and in part out of a sense of adventure. He sent wonderful emails from Iraq that helped us understand the situation better. David we will miss you and all the wonderful experience you would have brought to our program
To the family of Dave Karowski- Dave was a Gentle Giant that loved to take pictures by the palm tree at JSS Shield. He was loved by everyone here. Me and dave are pretty much the same height so everytime he saw me we gave hi fives made jokes. I remember one time that he took pictures of the mayor cell staff goofing around and he took pics. He was the breath of fresh air to us who knew him. He will greatly be missed and never forgotten. May you rest in peace Dave.
Don and Jean We just learned this morning of David’s death. We are so sorry about your loss. We are thinking of you at this difficult time and will say prayers for all of your family as you go through this sad time. Tom and Priscilla (Woods) Polehna Cedar Rapids, Iowa
To the family of Dave “Ski” Karwoski: This came as a shock to me/us! We, here in Baghdad, have wonderful memories of Dave. He gave us all so many lasting memories of himself, by his giving of his talents and frienship as well as photos to remember the U.S. mission in Iraq. Dave was and still is “good people”…this says a lot for the family members that are reading this. His parents raised him right and you made it better; for Dave was a reflection of you family and firends. Thanks for shearing him with me/us…Dave, take care until we see eachother on the last mission of life. CARRY ON.
Vernette, Jason & Jake, I was shocked and saddened to hear about Dave. My heart goes out to you now and in the days ahead.
David, although I have never met you, but the departure of a loved one creates vacuum in the hearts of family and friends which only the Eternal Father can fill; your departure has done the same but assuredly, God will comfort those you left behind. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
I have always appreciated how willing Dave was to share his time and his talent with Soldiers. He was an incredibly generous man and every person that I knew in Iraq looked forward to getting an e-mail from Dave to schedule their departure photo from JSS Shield – it truly did signify their end of mission and was a very thoughtful gift. All I can think is that there was a need for someone to capture beautiful memories in Heaven.
To David’s family, although I have never met him, he is my second cousin, Don and Jean I’m so sorry for your loss and to his wife and sons also. I know you will he will be missed.
RIP David, your personality was so kind and people who met you will always remember your kindness. Howard & Jan
We are so sorry for your loss. We are here working so we will not be able to support you at the wake or funeral. We all wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and praying for you and the boys. Love Donna L, Becky R. Deanna R Deb G. Jan J. Clarice L
To the Family of Dave Karwoski: I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Dave. Dave was one of the first people I met upon arrival on FOB Shield, Iraq and remained one of the best folks that I met throughout my tour. His ready smile and Midwestern warmth made one feel as if we were old friends from the moment that you met him. His kindness and endless optimism were legendary among Americans, coalition and Iraqis alike. Throughout his time there, as I’m sure his time on Earth, he touched many hearts and was greatly loved by all who knew him. Just the other night my wife and I were looking up at a beautiful full moon. I told her about Mike crouching under his camera and tripod in the warm moonlight to capture awsome shots of the Baghdad moon through the palmtrees that he would post and share with all of us as momentos. His custom of making a portrait of all soldiers in front of the famous palm tree as our tour ended was something that was was anticipated then, and highly treasured from then on. For those who knew Dave, it is needless to say that he did this for free and out of the kindness of his heart. These are just a few small examples of Dave’s thoughtfulness of others and eternal generousity of spirit which lives on, and will continue to do so as long as the memories of him continue to warm our hearts. God bless you Dave. You will be missed as much as you were loved, greatly.
Such a sad and profound loss of an individual who brought smiles to so many faces during our time at JSS Shield. Dave always took the time to make each and every one of us feel special for our picture at that “most famous tree” at Shield. He was inspiration to many and his memory will live on forever. God Bless you Karwoski Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Such a sad and profound loss of an individual who brought smiles to so many faces during our time at JSS Shield. Dave always took the time to make each and every one of us feel special for our picture at that “most famous tree” at Shield. He was inspiration to many and his memory will live on forever. God Bless you Karwoski Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave Karwoski Family, I was deeply sadden to receive news from Baghdad this morning advising me of Daves passing. I totally agree with every tribute posted prior to mine. Dave was a one of kind , unique and dedicated hard worker. He was a major presence at the MoI Security and Support Forces Team. I had the privilage of serving with Dave who was my civilian team leader. I will never forgett him . His relationship with the Iraqi Government Officials was a major factor in our mission. Everyone liked Dave and he always took care of his subordinates. David Karwoski served his country well and was credit to the U.S. mission. You are in My thoughts and Prayers. Mike Knizel Talladega, Alabama
I will always remember Dave as one of the most generous people I have ever served with. Regardless of how busy he was; he went out of his way to present our folks departing Iraq with photos to commemorate their service there. The special picture Dave always took of people by the “most famous tree in Iraq” was the sure fire indicator that you were getting ready to depart. Dave had great rapport with the Iraqi Police leaders and made a lasting impact by his service there. We will all miss him and remember him as a true patriot and Great American. sincerely Rear Admiral Charlie Ray U.S. Coast Guard
My deepest condolences to Dave’s family. Dave and I served together at JSS Shield in Baghdad, Iraq. He presented me with a very nice photo portrait when I left Iraq last May. It will mean even more to me now. I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was a good and generous man. Sincerely, Mike Rice, Sarajevo, Bosnia i Herzegovina.
David was a fantastic person and a even better cop. Dave always put officer safety first and was a mentor of mine. His skills on the firearms range was unsurpassed and I will miss him greatly. RIP my brother! Ricky
Dave, you will be missed by many sir! You were the anchor for so many while stationed at JSS Shield.. Thank you for all that you did for me during our time together in the sandbox. Your kindness and wisdom will live on in the minds and hearts of everybody you touched. May God bless your family during this time of sorrow and thank you for being that big brother to me during our time together!
Dave, you will be missed by many sir! You were the anchor for so many while stationed at JSS Shield. Thank you for everything that you did for me during our time together in the sandbox. Your kindness and wisdom will live on in the minds of everybody you touched in life. You were always that big brother to me! May God bless your family during this time of passing. Till we me again sir….
I remember always looking forward to a scouting trip with Troop 487 where Dave would be leading us. He knew how to lead a group of hyper-active adolescents but still let them come into their own, and to have fun. I will always recall his encouragement to consider us as young men and not as boys. Years later, doing my own stint in law enforcement, I wonder how he ever found the energy to be as active outside of work as he was. God bless you, David, and thank you for the many memories.
Dave gave so much to so many people. The memories of the people and places as historical. His love for the Iraqi people and his involvement will last for generations to come. This is truly shocking and sad. My thoughts and Prayers are with his family during this time of loss.
Dave was a kind, generous, dedicated and fun-loving man. Very proud of his upbringing in Minnesota and able to laugh at himself. He was committed to making a difference in this world. A consummate teammate. Rest in peace, Dave. You will be missed. May God grant your family and friend comfort in their grief.
Dave to me was like the “Quiet Achiever” He went about JSS (FOB) Shield doing many things but not expecting rewards. He was a true Gentleman. Better known to me through his photographic skills as that was our common interest. My condolences to Dave’s family. From Dave’s “mate – DownUnder”
Dave was a talented and dedicated person that gave far more than the “job” called for. It seemed like he was always busy and enjoyed all the things he did. He was always positive and a great stroy teller. His gift and passion for photography offered memories to everyone passing thru. He was an asset to the mission and a friend to all. I am sorry for the loss of such a fine man.
Wow, Dave was a mentor and advisor not only to our foreign counterparts. He shared his knowledge and experience with everyone he came in contact with. He inspired me to run out and upgrade my Nikon D70 to a D7000—I almost switched to the Canon!!! 🙂 This is an incredible loss!!! My family sends our thoughts and prayers to Dave’s family. I am sure that he is still taking pictures of all of us!
Dave and I worked together on JSS Shield but found out that we had a lot in common as we grew up on opposite sides do the St Croix River, he in MN and I in WI. That kinda bonded us a little closer than most. I overheard his one time telling someone that they needed to listen to me because of how respected I was in the Iraqis eyes. Dave if you only knew how much you were respected and loved in everyone’s eyes. Till next time my friend.
When I think of Dave I smile. Every time I saw that man he had a smile on his face. I remember the first time I met him at one of their pool parties. He hip checked me and sent me flying into the pool fully clothed. God; I loved that man. Always made me laugh. He will be greatly missed. He also coined the phrase “ashperson” instead of Ascheman for my family which we still laugh about. Pretty clever when you think about it. Thanks Dave for the great memories!
Wow. This is a shock. Dave a fixture and force on Shield. He’d go above and beyond when asked and I can’t recall a day when he was down or negative. Dave was one of the guys you’d always recall during stories about Shield with his camera and “festive” outfits. I had hoped to work again with Dave on mission again in the future and am deeply saddened by this loss. We had a great time with him at the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and Police Services. Once he took a few pictures, all the Iraqi Generals wanted their portraits done. Dave will be missed. Please pass my condolences to his family.
Dave was one of the most interesting Advisors I had the honor to serve with at JSS Shields, Baghdad Iraq. He always had stories to tell of his experiences that always captivated me and others. He was a very talented photographer and although he served as honorably as those in uniform he was always there to beautifully document the events. He provided many of us a nice portrait during our mission that will provide not only memories of or experiences at Shield but what a great man he was. We shared a commonality as he did with a large number of individuals having served in the police services. My condolences go out to the family and I pray that God watch over them and strengthen their faith during this trying time.
Dave was one of the first Advisors I met when I arrived at JSS Shield in December 2009. He was a regular fixture at every EOM ceremony and function. We had numerous conversations about the mission and other important life issues. I truly valued his friendship and counsel. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to all his family. Dave will be missed by all who knew and worked with him.
None worked harder or with more heart than Dave to help a country in distress. During the year I worked with him I personally saw him do more to improve relations with the Iraqi Government with his camera than all the visiting dignitaries combined. He will be greatly missed.
It was with great sadness that I heard this news. I worked with Dave at JSS Shield and will always remember his smile and joyful spirit. May God bless you all.
My condolences to the close family and friends of Dave Karwoski. Dave was one of the people that everyone on JSS Shield knew. He was a great guy to work around, and I always enjoyed my conversations with him. What I will always remember the most about Dave was his generosity in providing photographic services to record events and special moments. For many of us, he provided professional quality portraits at no charge for us to remember that special time in our lives. Dave will surely be missed, but his photographic work will live on for generations by the men and women who were blessed to have served alongside such a great man.
I was just speaking of Dave the other day to a colleague. Dave was my Deputy Director in Iraq and I was commenting on how he and I with the rest of the team would climb those narrow steps everyday at the Ministry of Interior in Iraq. I learned a lot from Dave! Dave had the run of the building over there and everyone loved him. Always respectful and courteous he is one that will be missed here and abroad. My sincere condolence to his family and friends.
During my deployment to Baghdad in 2009, Dave and I saw each other on a daily basis and shared many moments and thoughts about how to advise the Iraqis. With us both being cops we had a special relationship and since I am from Missouri, we often spoke of the property in Missouri that he wanted. He was a special guy and I will cherish our friendship every time I look at the photos he took and gave to me as a parting gift. He did some great work and definitely made a difference. God Bless you Dave, you will be missed.
My condolences to his family. My association with Dave was through our service at FOB Shield in Baghdad, Iraq. Dave always had a positive attitude and was a fine individual. I know I am better off for having known him. He would never let anyone leave for home without making sure he gave them a portrait shot from FOB Shield to take with them. I have mine at home and will always treasure it. I could never figure out how he got those pictures transfered to a canvas out there at our little FOB but he was resourceful. Thank you for sharing him with us; he will be missed. COL Scott A. Syme, US Army Reserve
Dave was on our Internal Affairs Team for a while at MoI. He became a fixture at FOB Shield with his ever-present camera, Indiana-Jones hat and smile for everyone. You always knew it was the weekend when Dave was wearing his Hawaiian shirts. My condolences to Dave’s family and friends. You should all know about the good work he did while he was in Iraq. Respectfully, David Knuckles
I remember David from FOB Shield Baghdad, Iraq. He was there with a smile on his face and his camera ready for any and every ocassion – going away parties, promotions, special events. I also know that he was respected by those in uniform, other contractors and of course the Iraqs with whom he worked. My condolences, Darrell USMC Retired
I knew Dave and Jason from Boy Scouts. Dave’s a great leader and example for boys. I remember being in 20 below weather in a snow fort with him overnight as we all definitely earned our below “zero hero” badge.