Obit: Karlen, Joseph (1919 - 2013)
Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Bembenek, Gruny, Heil, Hennes, Hoffmann, Karlen, Klos, Miller, Paduan,
Reichl, Schara, Stary, Wilde
----Source: The Record - Review (Abbotsford, WI) 9/30/2013
Karlen, Joseph (7 MAY 1919 - 3 JUN 2013)
Joseph Karlen, 93, Wausau, Wisconsin, loving father, grand-father, and
great-grandfather, was called home to God on Saturday March 16, 2013. Joe was
born on May 7, 1919 to the late Louis and Mary (Heil) Karlen near Marathon City.
Joe was drafted into the service of his country during WWII. He was shipped out
to the European Theater where he became a part of our Nation's History, taking
part in the infamous Landing at Normandy and The Battle of the Bulge. He was
wounded a number of times during his tour of duty and carried shrapnel near his
spine and a bullet lodged between his skull and brain the rest of his life. He
earned several medals including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He returned
home in December, 1945. A kind stranger gave him a ride from the empty bus
station to the family farm in Cassel, Wisconsin. On May 27, 1947 Joe married
Dorothy Hoffmann. Together they had eight children
Joe was employed as the chief electrician at St. Mary's Hospital and Wausau
Hospital retiring after 40 years of service. He also worked independently as an
electrician to support his family. Joe continued to work after his retirement
from the hospital but as the years passed, worked only for a few long-time
friends until a fall from a ladder at work necessitated his total retirement in
October 2012 at age 93.
Joe was a founding member of St. Anne's Catholic Church in Wausau which he
attended regularly until his health started to fail in June 2012.
Joe and Dorothy were able to travel the United States extensively after Joe's
retirement taking bus tours to all 50 states.
On April 27, 2010, Joe took part in the first Old Glory Honor Flight out of the
Wausau area. Prior to leaving, he kept reminding Barb of the time she was to
pick him up when he returned. Just one of the joys of that day came at the
amazing "welcome home" when the veterans returned to Central Wisconsin Airport.
Several family members were at the late night welcome home celebration, telling
Joe that we, too were worried Barb would forget what time to pick him up.
He was absolutely speechless! Once he started sharing his experiences of this
day, it was clear how special and amazing this day was to him. He shared with
family how the entire day was just like the welcome home celebration at the
airport. He was overcome with the gratitude shown him for the sacrifices he made
for this country. He became a media darling during this trip which was how the
family learned most of what they know about his time during the war. For the
first time he was sharing these experiences
Joe was a man of few words but when he had something to say, it was worth
stopping to listen. He was a fountain of good advice for his children and his
grandchildren and was well respected by all who knew him. He set a beautiful
example of commitment to marriage by the 60 years he shared with Dorothy. He
exhibited strength of character often lacking in this world and expected the
same from his children.
Joe is survived and will be deeply missed by his children: Kathryn Wilde,
Barbara (Steve) Reichl, Jean (Bob) Klos, Charles (Debra), Robert (Gretchen),
Donna (Jeff) Stary, and John (Jenny), and son-in-law Larry Bembenek He is
further survived by his sister, Adeline Schara, 19 grandchildren: Jody
(Michelle) Bembenek, Chad (Stefanie) Bembenek, Shawn (Heather) Wilde, Terry
Wilde, Erik (fiancAC. Nann Paduan), Ann Wilde, Jerry (Amy) Reichl, Niki (Chris)
Miller, Heather Klos, Tom Klos, Michelle Klos, Steven (Laura) Karlen, Bradley
Karlen, Cameron Karlen, Joe Karlen, Kristi Stary, Mark Stary, Josh Karlen and
Jessica Karlen, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his daughter Char and son-in-law Fred, he was preceded in death
by his wife Dorothy, grandson Andrew Wilde, and great-granddaughter, Journey
Bembenek. He is also preceded in death by his brothers Herbert, Alex, Clarence,
and Edwin and his sister, Mildred Gruny.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at The
Church of St. Anne, Wausau. The Rev. Jeffery Hennes will preside. Burial will be
in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Marathon. Friends may call on Tuesday from 9:00
a.m. until the time of services all at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial
has been established in Joe's name.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of
arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
The family would like to thank Mount View Care Center for the excellent care
they took of Joe during his final weeks. He regularly commented that they"
treated him like a king" and he called them "my angels". God Bless all of you. A
sincere thank you also to some very special friends who rarely missed a day to
visit with Joe: Don and Sally Kowalski, George and Carla Waldvogel, and Mary
Eggebrecht who is still waiting for her polka with him.
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