Gerald Mark Karst, Sr.

Gerald Mark Karst, Sr, 68, husband of Dorothy (Dottie) Mathieu Karst, of Mt. Pleasant, SC passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2012. The relatives and friends of Gerald Karst are invited to attend his Memorial Service on Friday, July 13, 2012 in Christ Episcopal Church, 2304 Highway 17N, Mt. Pleasant at 10:00 am. The burial will be private. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at J. HENRY STUHR MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL from 5:00 until 7:00 pm.

Gerald was born December 1, 1943 in Charleston, SC to the late Karl W. and Gladys S. Karst. He attended Charleston area schools and worked briefly for the City of Charleston Fire Department. He then went to work for the Charleston Naval Shipyard where he retired as a Nuclear General Foreman. After retiring from the shipyard, Gerald founded and owned Karst Kreations and Charleston Labor and Production. Gerald was a life member of the Charleston Rifle Club and Elks Lodge #242. He was a Mason, Ft. Moultrie Lodge #428, a member of the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, and the Omar Shrine Temple where he belonged to the Temple Staff, Keystone Cops, and the Prowlers. He was a Chief Aide to the Potentate. Gerald loved boating, fishing, golfing, woodworking, and dancing with his wife, Dottie. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Dottie Karst, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; one brother: Karl W. Karst (Bonnie) of Charleston, SC; one sister: Johanna Rowell (Roger) of Charleston, SC; five children: Mark Karst (Ann) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Gina Kirchner (Donald) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Lynda Derrick (Wally) of Hanahan, SC, Michelle Poirier Harris (Brantley) of Hanahan, SC, and John M.W. Poirier, IV (Carie) of Rockford, IL; 10 grandchildren, 1 great grandson and 3 nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of Charleston, Foundation, P.O. Box 417, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465or to Omar Shrine Temple, 176 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.