Obit: Karlen, Terry (1954 - 2018)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Chwala, Felix, Gunderson, Gunelson, Hegenbarth, Karlen, Kodl, Schmitt

----Source: The Plombon Funeral Home (Stanley, WI) 5/20/2018

Karlen, Terry (17 JAN 1954 - 18 MAY 2018)

Terry Karlen, 64 of Stanley, died Friday, May 18, 2018 at Sacred Heart Hospital-Eau Claire.

He was born on January 17, 1954 at Victory Memorial Hospital-Stanley the son of the late
Marvin and Catherine (Hegenbarth) Karlen. Terry grew up in Stanley and graduated from Stanley-Boyd High in 1972. He married Deborah Chwala on September 16, 1972.

He worked in Illinois for his uncle Jerry Olichwier at Utility Concrete before moving back to Stanley. He then sold Pizza Products for Tolona Pizza of Eau Claire for a time before
graduating from Eau Claire Vocational School in Law Enforcement. He was an officer for the Stanley Police Dept., Thorp Dept., was Chief of Police for the Village of Boyd and retired from Stanley on March 4, 2013.

Terry also enjoyed being a school bus driver for Stanley-Boyd the past 19 years. Terry was 1st and foremost a loving husband, Dad and Grandpa. Those rolls were most important to him. Life was full of laughter and love at his home. He could always be found in a gym in his day playing basketball. Up until the end his greatest joy was in the drive way shooting hoops with Joe and
grandson Landon.

The Geezer Rides were another one of his best times. Riding Harley with his buddies and letting the wind blow on his face and the “bonding” with his Geezers was amazing. Terry’s brother in law Bill would be always by his side. Terry’s time spent serving others in his role as an officer was such an honor. The “Boys in Blue” were true comrades. Now his nephew Brett and cousin Steve are carrying on that honor as officers. Terry enjoyed bus driving up until a week before he
died. The Bus Crew was so supportive and he loved them like family.

He is survived by his wife Debbie of Stanley, Krista (Andy) Schmitt of Stanley, Tara (Chris) Kodl of Thorp and JoShane (Amanda) Karlen of Stanley, his grandchildren, Ezra, Kaleb, Myia, Landon, Cassidy, Iszy, Mallory, Dayne, Kaydence in Heaven, and his special girl: Elaina Gunelson. Terry is further survived by his brother, Randy (Nancy) Karlen of Stanley and his sister, Pam (Don) Gunderson of New Auburn and many nieces and nephews.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents and his parents in law, Lou and Bill Chwala.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church-Stanley with Father William Felix officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery-
Stanley. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM on Tuesday at the Plombon Funeral Home-Stanley and Wednesday morning at the funeral home from 9AM until time of departure to church.