The Lions have lost a member of their family.

Bob Karmelowicz, the Lions defensive line coach in 2009, died on Saturday following an illness. He was 60.

Known to everyone as ‘Karm’ he was a coaching veteran who for the past 18 seasons worked with the defensive line for five NFL teams: Lions (2009), Houston Texans (2006-08), Kansas City Chiefs (1997-05), Washington Redskins (1994-96) and Cincinnati Bengals (1992-93).

When he was the Chiefs, Karmelowicz worked for Gunther Cunningham, now the Lions defensive coordinator.

“I’ve had the privilege of coaching with and against ‘Karm’ for a long time and he was one tough guy,’’ Cunningham said. “Though his coaching success on the field speaks for itself, I will always remember him for how much he loved kids, his compassion for helping kids and how much he cared for his grandkids. That will always be his lasting impression on me.’’

After the 2009 season, Karmelowicz retired from the Lions.

“On behalf of the William Clay Ford Family and the entire Detroit Lions organization, we offer our sincere sympathies to the Karmelowicz family,’’ Lions President Tom Lewand said.

Karmelowicz is survived by his wife, Olga, daughters, Liz and Marissa, and son, Dave.

Visitation is at 9 a.m. and Mass is at 10 a.m. Friday at the Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn.