David Lee Karnik

David Lee Karnik, age 74 of Ft. Atkinson, IA, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the home of friends while vacationing.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, MARCH 31, 2026, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton.  A private family interment will take place at St. John’s Cemetery in Ft. Atkinson.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, MARCH 31, 2026, at the funeral home.

In the lush cornfields of New Hampton, Iowa, on March 31, 1951, began the incredible story of David Lee Karnik. David, the son of Raymond and Bernice (Hageman) Karnik and the adopted child after a tragedy that claimed his dad, Arnold Barloon, made an indelible mark on this world that continued until his last breath on January 6, 2026, in Mico, Texas, after a brief illness. He left our world as he lived in it—a man of character, wisdom, and courage.

Upon his high school graduation from the Turkey Valley Class of 1969, not only did he carry with him years of football as an outstanding kicker, but he also enlisted in the Navy, stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Navy saw a leader in David, and so began the influential presence that would be an indelible part of his character. A cornfield whisperer by birth, a risk taker by choice, and a friend-maker by instinct, David built a life enriched with comrades such as the Pearce brothers, Russell and Jeff; Wayne Campbell, Jerry Jirak, and Gary Balik. These friendships, seasoned with time, were testimonials to his motto ‘Friends Until The End.’

David was a preacher without a parish, always sharing wisdom, asking for advice, or simply regaling others with his storytelling—which was always 95% truth and 5% embellishment. His spirit found solace in the aisles of corn and beanfields and open skies of Little Turkey. After the Navy, he found love in Donna Myers’ eyes at the LT Tap. Their marriage on August 8, 1980, a double celebration with Donna’s birthday, led to life’s greatest adventure.

Fatherhood to Kory, Karly, and Kassidy didn’t dampen his commitment to provide. He and Donna expanded Karnik Farms across four counties, Karnik Trucking expanded into a small fleet,  teaching their children, Kory, his right-hand man, the value of tireless work and the sweetness of success that comes from soil and sweat. Working alongside young men, instilling in them the pride of working with him instead of for him, and caring for the newest, largest farm equipment, David was the American Farmer personified.

Despite slowing down in later years, David embraced the changes, including YouTube tutorials and internet memes, thanks to Ryker, which he never quite trusted but amused him nonetheless. His penchant for laughter grew; his storytelling reached epic proportions, and those lucky enough to sit and listen would find hours slipping away in his company.

David departed this earth much like he lived—reluctantly slowing down, stubborn to the end, insisting he wasn’t too ill for the hospital. As he crossed over, we can imagine him greeted by loved ones with open arms and maybe, just maybe, ready to show them the perfect football kick—splitting celestial goalposts with ease.

His legacy, though, is not in the things left behind but in the lives he’s touched. His wife, Donna, after 46 years together, his children Kory, Karly, and Kassidy (Scott Nelson), each a testament to his love and values, his siblings, Cora Lee and Vicki, his extended family, and every young man that became part of his greater family, all carry bits of his essence in their own lives.

Preceded in death by his parents; sister Karla Karnik. Mother-in-Law Arlene Schmitt, father-in-law Cletus Myers, along with many Barloon, Karnik, and Hageman family members.

As laughter is remembrance in joy, David’s memory will echo with grins and guffaws, his wisdom will be sought in times of need, and his love will flourish in the lands he tended so well. Though the tractor seat may be empty and the fields a little quieter, his journey continues within all who had the privilege of his time—on earth and beyond, because a man like David Lee Karnik is as unforgettable as the tallest tale he ever told. Rest easy “Dirty Dave”, you’ve earned it—just don’t argue with the angels; they’ve got your number.