Obit: Karlen, Roberta J. "Bobbie" (1952 - 2012)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org    

Surnames: Karlen, Koschak, Lesar, Skluzacek, Krembs

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 02/13/2012

Karlen, Roberta J. "Bobbie" (24 AUG 1952 - 10 FEB 2012)

Roberta J. "Bobbie" Karlen, 59, Marshfield, passed peacefully Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, at House of the Dove Hospice Home, Marshfield, under the care of Ministry St. Joseph's Hospice.

A visitation will be held from 3:30 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, when a service will be held at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield. Burial of her cremated remains will take place at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17 at Holy Family Cemetery in Willard.

Roberta was born Aug. 24, 1952, in Neillsville, the daughter of John and Mary L. (Koschak) Lesar and was a 1970 graduate of Greenwood High School. She then attended the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, where she graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. She later obtained her Masters degree in education from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. After her education Bobbie was employed by the Appleton School District for the 1975 -1976 term. She then became employed by the Marshfield School System from 1976 until her retirement in 2008. During her years in Marshfield she taught at Marshfield Junior High from 1976 until 1994 and then at Marshfield Senior High from 1994 until 2007. 

She was united in marriage to Dennis L. Karlen on April 3, 1976 in Willard. 

Bobbie enjoyed flower gardening, cooking and most of all her family, especially her grandchildren. She was known as having a very generous heart, making sure that others were cared for first and often giving gifts to others. 

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Denny, and their daughter, Kristie (Matt) Skluzacek of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Alexander. She is further survived by two brothers and a sister, Donald (Sue) Lesar of Muskego, Adeline Krembs of Binghamton, N.Y., and Bernard (Joan) Lesar of Rushden, England. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at the Elks Club at 113 E. Second St., Marshfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated in Bobbie's name to the Marshfield Public Library, Ronald McDonald House or the United Way. 

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com