Bio: Loppnow, Karl (Good man – 1972)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Loppnow, Davel, Humlie

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Loyal, Wis.) 07 Sep 1972

Karl Loppnow was laid to rest Tuesday afternoon. He leaves behind a large number of rleatives, friends, and neighbors who mourn his death.

I never became a close friend of Karl in the four short years I knew him after moving to Loyal (Clark Co., Wis.). Yet I believe Karl was an inspiration to me, to many others, and should be to many more.

From what I have been able to learn, Karl lost his right arm as a young boy. Yet it seems this handicap didn't hamper him from earning a living and doing the same work any other many would do.

Stories have been told how he worked for the Loyal Canning Company, the City of Loyal, and the Loyal Public School. For the time I have known Karl he has been janitor at Trinity Lutheran Church, in fact for 38 years he held this job.

The church, the church ground, and Karl's home were always well cared for. The grass was always neatly trimmed and when the snow fell Karl was right there with his shovel to clear the walks and steps. It has also been told how he was able to raise a ladder and wash second story windows without any assistance.

Karl also had an interest in his community. For 28 years he served on the city election board. In fact his last official act was to serve as an election official at the Loyal School Referendum in July. City Clerk L.A. Davel said "I don't believe he did it because of the small amount of money earned, but because he felt it was his civic duty."

Karl was a sufficient man. He probably could have received welfare help because of his handicap. Yet, ye worked not only early his own living, but paid his Social Security like everyone else, looking forward probably to the days when he could take life easy. Karl never benefited from his Social Security payments made. He had an appointment to make application for these benefits on Tuesday, the day he was laid to rest.

The lesson we need to learn from Karl was spoken by Rev. Humlie in his message to mourners at Karl's funeral service. Rev. Humlie said, "I have heard Karl had a stubborn nature about him. I don't believe it was stubbornness, but rather, DETERMINATION."

Let's take a lesson from Karl. Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, be thankful for what we have. Karl only had one arm, yet he more than made up for it with the effort put forth with the one arm he did have.