Karen Tongish

Karen Lynn Tongish was born on April 25, 1962 in Amarillo, Texas United States to Mabel Josephine Riepl Tongish and Claude A Tongish. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Karen L Tongish.

Claude A. Tongish, 87, of Amarillo died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 at 6:50 am. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Memory Gardens Cemetery, McCormick Road and Interstate 27, with the Rev. Scott Raef officiating. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St, Amarillo, Tex. Claude was born July 6, 1925, in Ludell, Kan. He was raised and attended school in McDonald, Kan. He served in the Army during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1947. He graduated from University of Houston in 1959 with degrees in petroleum engineering and mathematics. He married Mabel J. Riepl, originally of Herndon, Kan., in 1959 in Pasadena. They moved to Amarillo in 1959. Claude went to work for the U.S. Bureau of Mines, Helium Operations in 1959. He retired from Helium Operations in 1991. He is a Legion of Honor member of The Society of Petroleum Engineers. Claude served as a volunteer at the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center in Amarillo for more than 15 years. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 54, a life member of Elks Lodge No. 923, a member of Moose Lodge No. 1361 and Moose Legion No. 179. He belonged to National Active and Retired Federal Employees and Amarillo Senior Citizens Association. He was active in Amarillo Rifle and Pistol Club and was a life member of National Rifle Association and Texas State Rifle Association. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel; his parents, Herman and Catherine Tongish; and two brothers, Melvin and Harold. Survivors include a daughter, Karen Tongish of New York City, and numerous wonderful friends and relatives. He will be missed. Claude’s family and friends are grateful to the dedicated staff of Bivins Rehab, Baptist St. Anthony’s Hospital, Texas Oncology and VA Medical Center for providing Claude with diligent and comprehensive care during his brief illness. For a short time, Claude happily resided in an independent-living apartment at The Craig Methodist Retirement Center, where he was warmly welcomed by the staff and the community. Finally, Claude’s family and friends are profoundly grateful to the staff and volunteers of BSA Hospice, whose skilled and compassionate care made Claude’s final days comfortable and peaceful. The family suggests memorials be to Baptist St. Anthony’s Hospice, P.O. Box 950, Amarillo, TX 79105 or a favorite charity. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Sign the online guest book at www.schoolerfuneral.com. Amarillo Globe-News, Dec. 11, 2012

Mabel J. Tongish, 88, of Amarillo, died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010 at 1:20 am. Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday in St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with Monsignor Joseph Tash as celebrant. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery. There will be no formal procession after services. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Mabel was born Sept. 15, 1921, in Herndon, Kan., where she attended St. Mary's grade and high schools. She received her Registered Nurse's degree in 1943 from St. Anthony's Hospital School of Nursing in Denver. She enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve (nurse corps) upon graduation from nurses training in 1943, and was released to inactive duty in the U.S. Naval Reserve in late 1951 at which time she received her honorable discharge from the Navy. Mabel graduated from Charity Hospital School of Anesthesia of New Orleans in 1948. Mabel lived and worked in Houston for a number of years. She married Claude Tongish in 1959 in Pasadena. In 1960, they moved to Amarillo where Mabel worked for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center as a nurse anesthetist. She retired from the VA in 1962 after the birth of their daughter, Karen. Mabel's family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff of BSA Hospice for their kind and considerate care of our beloved wife and mother while in their care during her brief stay with them. Thank you. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Josephine Riepl; three sisters, Agnes Walsh, Mildred Hutfles, and Dorothy Riley; and two brothers, Ernest and Dale Riepl. Survivors include her husband, Claude of Amarillo; a daughter, Karen Tongish of New York City; and numerous friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be to a charity of choice.