James John Karl, 85, Auburndale, passed away in the presence of his son on October 19, 2019 at Colonial Center of Colby.
Jim was born on December 6, 1933 in Auburndale to Wenzel Sr and Florence Karl. He attended St Mary’s Catholic School in Auburndale. He was united in marriage to Susan Ledden on July 11, 1959 at St Mary’s in Auburndale and later divorced.
Jim was a veteran of Korean War and served in the U.S Army for 2 years. After serving for his country, he purchased the farm from his brother. He devoted his time and energy farming for 50 years alongside his son, Jeff sharing lots of memories working from sun up to sun down. He valued the time taking his grandkids on the four-wheeler to round up the cattle, taking joy rides on the tractor, and teaching them how to feed the calves.
There wasn’t a day that passed that he didn’t have candy, cookies, or ice cream bars available to enjoy along with his grandkids. He also enjoyed bowling, snowmobile racing, watching football, and taking fishing trips with his friends. Jim was a very hardworking and humble man. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Jim is survived by his daughter Janel (Craig) Reich of Oshkosh and son Jeffrey (Dawn) Karl of Auburndale, 6 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his sisters Helen (Jerome) Andres of Auburndale, Annette Duell of Montana, brothers Wenzel Jr (Clarice) Karl of Auburndale and Ronald (Tammi) Karl of Owen-Withee and sister-in-law Caroline (Jeannie) Karl of Auburndale. He was preceded in death by his son Gregory, daughter Aimee, brothers Richard, Francis and Martin, and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Auburndale. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery where military rites will be conducted by VFW Post 6352, Stratford.
A visitation will take place on Thursday from 10:00 am until time of service at the church.
Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com