Obituaries
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Donald N Karls
Aug. 9, 1936 - Feb. 26, 2025 - Jericho, WI
Funeral Service
Saturday, Mar. 1, 2025
6:30 pm
54 E. Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Funeral Visitation
Saturday, Mar. 1, 2025
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
411 W Main St.
Chilton, WI
Donald N Karls
Jericho WI
Don Karls, age 88, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, at Caring Hands Assisted Living in New Holstein.
He was born August 9, 1936 to his loving parents, Norman and Hildegard Karls.
On November 11, 1961 he married the love of his life, Judy Bunnell. Don and Judy lovingly raised their 2 children, Martha and Ron, on their family farm. Don loved to be out in the barn with his “girls,” the cows, teaching his kids and then his grandkids the value of hard work. He spent many nights and weekends cheering on his grandkids in whatever sport or concert they were involved in at the time or heading “up north” with Roger to test their luck at Oneida.
Don loved to spend his spare time with his family. He was always the quiet one, but he was listening. He would be sure to let you know by putting his two cents worth into the conversation, usually with a sassy comment or two. Don loved to play cards, especially sheepshead. He had a wonderful group of guys that he played with every Wednesday for many, many years, joining him wherever he was staying at the time.
Don is survived by his daughter Martha (Dan) Holst; his three grandchildren, Samantha (Matt) Meyers, Nicholas (Heather) Holst, and Randi (special friend CJ Griffith) Karls; his six great-grandchildren, Myla, Griffin, and Reagan Meyers, Mason and Allison Holst, and Winslow Warner; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Karls; siblings Doris Moehn, Shirley Jost, Ken (Judy) Karls, and Gary (Jan) Karls; and siblings-in-law Larry (Wendie) Bunnell, Clayton (Terri) Bunnell, Linda (Steve) Krause, Daryl (Dianna) Bunnell, Richard Bunnell, and Roger Bunnell. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Judy Karls; his son, Ron Karls; his parents Norman and Hildegard Karls; his parents-in-law, Al and Avis Bunnell; two brothers-in-law, Bob Jost and Art Moehn; sister-in-law Mary Ann (Bill) Link; and two nephews, Troy Bunnell and Jeff Moehn.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 6:30 pm on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (54 E. Main St.) in Chilton with Rev. Jon Thorsen officiating. Burial will be in the Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Jericho. A time of visitation will be held at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available above for those wishing to watch a livestream or archived recording of the service, view a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.
Don’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff at Caring Hands Assisted Living where he’s lived for the last seven years and to Compassus Hospice services for their care and compassion.
Condolences
Martha, Doris and Family, Sorry to hear of Don's death. He was truly a good guy. Fond memories of the "old days" when he and Judy took us minors under their "protection" so we could drink beer after softball games at Marion's. My thoughts are with you all.
Mary M Muellenbach (friend) 2025-03-07 14:02:33
To Martha and Family So sorry to hear of Donny’s passing. What a great man he was, our family could never thank him and Judy enough for all they did when my Mom passed away over 50 years ago. They would take her and my Dad down to Madison several times a week for treatment . All the times Don and Judy spent with, him and going out to eat on Wednesday nights, really special. The many times they got together and played cards and us kids hung out. I have to believe the first hand of scheepshead is already dealt with our parents. A great person and I’m sure a wonderful Dad. Sharon and my thoughts are with you at this difficult time, your family went through a lot the last year, hugs to you all. May God bless Donny and the ones he left behind.
Bob Broeckel (Family Friend) 2025-03-01 05:34:01
To the entire Karls family: There are just no words. Donny was such a wonderful man. My parents always talked about him, I really didn't know him that well back in the day. The day of his accident changed all that. John & I took care of his lawn after that. That was a life changing experience. When Donny came home I would go over and sit and talk with him for a bit, mow his lawn and then spend hours after visiting. He especially liked when I brought him pies, cookies or dinners. I am not sure who enjoyed these visits more me or him!! John would always ask what did you and Donny talk about today, my response guess you will never know that's when he started coming with me and trimming the yard. LOL He was a sweet and loving man and we will cherish him forever. Thank you for allowing me the chance to get to know him.
John and Lori Popp (Neighbor) 2025-02-27 13:08:21
Martha, Sam, and family. Very sorry for your loss. Your dad was a staple at Sunday Mass. His presence will be missed. Keeping you all in our prayers! Heiberger Family
Angeline Heiberger (Friend) 2025-02-26 22:27:38
Martha, So sorry to hear loss of your dad. He was lucky to have you n his life. Your mom and dad are together again in heaven
Jackie Schneider (Friend) 2025-02-26 22:26:18
So so sorry to hear about the passing of Don. My condolences, prayers ????????and (((hugs))) to the entire family! ????????????
Karen Cmejla (Friend of family ) 2025-02-26 19:18:16
Martha, so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May all the great memories and laughs carry on. Hugs to all
Ann (Rusch) Braasch (Friend) 2025-02-26 17:04:25
Martha, so sorry to hear about uncle Dons passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Randy
Randy Bunnell (Godson) 2025-02-26 15:44:13
Sorry for your loss
Scott and Mary Schierl (Classmate ) 2025-02-26 15:31:27
Sorry for your loss
Scott and Mary Schierl (Classmate ) 2025-02-26 15:31:05
Dearest Martha. I'm so sorry of your Dad's passing. What a great man he was. We all know he's in Heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and your Mom and brother. Hugs and hugs.
Nancy A Tomich (Friend and Adopted Sister ) 2025-02-26 13:29:01
Dearest Martha. I'm so sorry of your Dad's passing. What a great man he was. We all know he's in Heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and your Mom and brother. Hugs and hugs.
Nancy A Tomich (Friend and Adopted Sister ) 2025-02-26 13:28:14
We send our heartfelt condolences to you all during this extremely difficult time So many memories were made and will be cherished in our hearts
Kelly See and Rowland Family (Friends) 2025-02-26 13:19:44
Martha and entire family I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. My sympathy to the entire family. Such a wonderful kind man. I will cherish the memories. Hugs and prayers!
Connie and Andy Gehl (Neighbor ) 2025-02-26 11:20:28
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE KARLS FAMILY.DONNY WAS A GENTLE AND KIND MAN.WE REMEMBER HIM MOSTLY WITH OUR GRANDSON,DANE,GIVING HIM A RIDE ON HIS scooter.Rest in peace,Donny
Gene,colleen Enneper (Friends of family) 2025-02-26 10:57:43
Martha, so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May he rest in peace.
Wendy Meuer (Classmate) 2025-02-26 10:33:46
We are so sad to hear of Donnie's passing. We had so much fun with Mom and Dad back in the Kloten days!So many great memories. He was such a great guy. I'm sure he will be missed! ((( hugs))) to all of you! Cherish your memories!
Dianne & Tony Groeschl (Friends of the family) 2025-02-26 08:17:12
Martha and family, So sorry to read of your dad's passing Our deepest sympathy.
Dennis and Barb Cook (Friends) 2025-02-26 07:04:56
Don’s family. You have our deepest sympathy at the loss of your father. I really enjoyed playing cards with him on Wednesdays.
Tom Stilp (Fellow card player) 2025-02-26 06:10:03
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