Obituaries
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Gerald A Karls
Jan. 4, 1945 - Oct. 27, 2023 - Chilton, WI
Funeral Service
Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023
5:00 pm
Wieting Family Funeral Home
411 W Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Funeral Visitation
Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Wieting Family Funeral Home
411 W Main St.
Chilton, WI
Gerald A Karls
Chilton WI
Gerald A. Karls, age 78, of Chilton, died on October 27, 2023. He was born to the late Benedict and Dolores (Schmitz) Karls on January 4, 1945. He went to St. Charles School, Charlesburg, and was a 1963 graduate of New Holstein High School.
In his youth, he crossed paths with a young lady at a softball game in Marytown. He was smitten with her long legs and on June 6, 1964, he married Lorraine Steffes at Holy Cross Church in Mt. Calvary.
Gerry was a farmer to his very core and farmed his entire life by starting to milk cows at the age of 7 in a neighbor’s barn. His other jobs included butchering, even during the middle of the night, in an effort to save the meat from the farmer’s injured cow. He used his butchering skills while working at Bechlem & Calumet Meats in Chilton.
In earlier years he enjoyed hunting, sturgeon spearing, polka dancing, golfing and snowmobiling. Later in life, his time was spent enjoying the great outdoors by ice fishing, smoking fish, and solving all of the world’s problems while clipping lawn around the farm which covered 3 different townships. He was well known for making summer sausage, constantly listening to polka music, and was frequently found in the stands while attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. As a lifelong member of St. Charles Catholic Church, he lended his booming voice by singing in the church choir. In his downtime, Gerry enjoyed going on vacation, playing with his cat, Buddy, swatting flies, and always looked forward to picking stones (ya right). As a true handyman, he could fix almost anything with whatever was currently available to him, even if it cost more to fix than buy a new one.
He was incredibly blessed to have his family, and they were always willing to remind him of this on every occasion they could. Gerry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lorraine; six children: Sharon (Bob) Broeckel, Rick (Cathy) Karls, Randy (Lynda) Karls, Cindy Karls, Linda Karls, and Jenny (Ryan) Scholz; grandchildren: Cheyanne Broeckel, Kevin Broeckel, Ryan Broeckel, Tyler Karls, Allison Karls, Rachel Karls, Danielle Karls, Heather Karls, Aryana Scholz, Rayden Scholz, Kendra Scholz, and Maleah Scholz; siblings: Joyce (John) Giebel, Ron (Sue) Karls, Diane Nett, Audrey Schaefer, Allen (Donna) Karls, and Karen Karls; in-laws: Elmer Steffes, Marie (Jim) Ausloos, Ceil (Joe) Schaefer, Annie (John) Schmitz, Jeanne (Dory) Hart-Steffes, and Judy (Joe) Reising.
Gerry was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws: Ben (Virginia) Steffes, Betty Steffes, Joe Nett, and Jim Schaefer; and his Godchild: Lori Nett.
Funeral service will be at 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton. A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:00 pm until 4:30 pm on Saturday, November 4, 2023. 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, watch a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.
The family extends a special thank you to the entire group at Calumet County Hospice, especially nurses, Anna and Linda. Your love and support that was shown to Gerry and his entire family is greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.
Condolences
Sorry to hear about your Dad, Husband. I'm glad I was able to see you at the restrant and see him. God Bless your family, Ron and Mary Hannan.
Mary Hannan (Friend) 2023-11-04 17:41:16
Have our sincerest sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort in your family and our Lord and Savior Jesus
Carl and Beverly Daun (Friend of Linda and former neighbor ) 2023-11-04 16:46:05
Our sympathy to your families, Jenny and Linda. May he rest in peace.
art and joyce kopf (friend) 2023-11-04 13:20:25
I will miss the fun banter I had with Gerry as he would wait for Lorraine to get her hair done! He had such a great smile that thankfully most of the Karl’s kids inherited! My deepest sympathy to you all and prayers for strength during this difficult time! Rest easy Gerry!
Ginny Schwoerer (Friend) 2023-11-03 18:14:28
So sorry for your loss. Prayers sent.
Candy & Tom Roberts (Friend) 2023-11-03 11:30:06
Our deepest sympathy to you Lorraine, and your whole family
Roger & Rosie Holzmann (friends) 2023-11-03 09:23:31
My deepest sympathy to you Lorraine and your family.
Nancy Struck (Friend) 2023-11-01 21:52:10
My deepest sympathy to you Lorraine and your family.
Nancy Struck (Friend) 2023-11-01 21:28:37
Sorry for loss to family
Steve and Barb Baus (Friends) 2023-11-01 18:23:09
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Laurie Blasing (Friend) 2023-11-01 11:59:28
Jenny, Ryan and family, So sorry for the loss of Jenny's dad. Sending prayers to your family.
Mary Kay & Dennis Hein (Friends) 2023-10-31 22:54:52
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. I am truly sorry for your family's loss. I will be out of town this coming weekend but you are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Koren Bonlander (Classmate of Sharon) 2023-10-31 22:23:27
I'm so glad I was able to dance with you. YOU were one of the only men who physically swept me off my feet in those wild turns on the dance floor. No one else ever held me so tight...that was the best part of dancing with you. May God welcome you home with a great polka!
Lisa Ann (Family Friend) 2023-10-31 21:46:57
Our sympathy to Gerry's family.
Joe & Carol Dreifuerst (Cousin) 2023-10-31 21:14:10
Hugs and deepest sympathy Jenny and family. Cherish the many precious memories ????????
Glenn and Laurie Neils (Friends) 2023-10-31 21:00:58
Lorraine and family: it was always fun to spend time with you and Gerry. Let the great memories live on. Your family is the best. RIP Neighbor.
Mike and Doris Bennin (Neighbors) 2023-10-31 17:32:07
So sorry for your loss! He will be greatly missed. Who else will ask me if I'm the boss at the restaurant.
Stephanie Kollet (Favorite waitress) 2023-10-31 17:03:02
So sorry for the loss of your dad,jenny,our thoughts and prayers are with the Karl's family.
Gene,colleen Enneper (Friend) 2023-10-31 17:01:50
We are so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Our prayers are with you. RIP in peace Jerry.
Randy&Hope Schmitt (friend) 2023-10-31 15:50:15
Rick and family sorry to hear about dad
Doug Woelfel (Classmate) 2023-10-31 15:16:47
LORRAINE AND FAMILY. Our sincere sympathy and prayers.I WON'T BE ABLE TO ATTEND IN PERSON BUT WE WILL DEFINITY WATCH THE VIDEO. Hugs
Mary & Dick Lewis (cousin) 2023-10-30 22:08:29
So very sorry for your loss! You are such a wonderful family! Rest in peace!
Connie Moehn (Family friend) 2023-10-30 20:58:42
My Sympathy to you Lorraine and your family
Trudy Bahr (Friend) 2023-10-30 18:13:37
My deepest condolences to Cindy and the entire Karls family for your loss.
Barbara Bittner (Neighbor ) 2023-10-30 15:47:12
Lorraine and family, we're so sorry to hear of Gerry.
Clayton and Marlene Thornber (Friends) 2023-10-30 14:39:03
Our sympathy to the entire family thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. God Bless
Gary and MaryKarls (Cousin ) 2023-10-29 17:23:09
Our condolences to the Karl’s family
Jim Bennin @ family (Friend) 2023-10-29 13:33:57
My sympathy to the entire family.. so sorry for your loss ????
Betty Haensgen (Cousin ) 2023-10-28 16:17:09
I’m sorry
Avery () 2023-10-28 11:53:13
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