Joan Karcher, age 97, passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange on December 19, 2024. Born on November 22, 1927, in Tiffin, Ohio, her early life began on a farm. Joan married Bernard Karcher in 1945. They farmed together where 6 children were born. The family moved to California in 1963 and joined Bernard’s brother in the Carl’s Jr. restaurant business. They founded BKI (Bernard Karcher Investments) in May 1984. The BKI company was the first franchisee of Carl’s Jr restaurants, opening locations in Corona and Norco. Joan and Bernard went on to open more than 20 Carl’s Jr restaurants across SoCal, including a location in Anaheim Hills.
Surviving family members are sister, Alma Schmitz of Ohio; six children, Mike Karcher of Sidney, Nebraska, Gary Karcher of Corona, California, Cathy Minicola of Tustin, California, Cindy Karcher-Hayden of Huntington Beach, California, Linda Karcher-Stewart of Reno, Nevada, Dan Karcher of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church of Anaheim Hills, California on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. A reception to follow in the church hall immediately after the mass. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be sent in her name to St. Joseph’s Hospital, CHOC, Mercy House or San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church.
Author: gqlshare
https://www.ocregister.com/obituaries/joan-karcher-anaheim-ca/