Obit: Karlen, Alexius J. (1915 - 2008)

Surnames: Karlen, Heil, Nowack, Hieronimus, Kryshak, Behnke, Sommer

Wausau Daily Herald (Marathon Co., Wis.) 23 Mar. 2008

----Source: Karlen, Alexius J. (18 July 1915 - 17 Mar. 2008)

Alexius "Alex" J. Karlen, 92, Marathon, died Monday, March 17, 2008, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Colonial Manor Medical and Rehabilitation Center, Wausau.

He was born July 18, 1915, in the town of Cassel, son of the late Louis and Mary (Heil) Karlen. On June 4, 1940, he married Lorraine V. Boser at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Alex retired from the town of Emmet and previously owned Karlen Trucking. He also farmed and was a former cheesemaker at Green Valley and Pine Valley cheese factories.

He was an avid Green Bay Packers and race car fan.

Survivors include his wife, Lorraine, seven children, Myron (Mary Ann) Karlen, Marjean (Jim) Nowack, Ronald Karlen, Lynette (Don) Hieronimus, Patricia (Ed) Kryshak, Michael (Rox) Karlen and Bev Behnke (Mike Sommer); three siblings, Adelaide Schara, Joe Karlen and Edwin (Jeanette) Karlen; 22 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Adolph Gruny Jr., Marathon; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Brenda Sue Nowack; a sister, Mildred Gruny; two brothers, Herbert and Clarence; and a daughter-in-law, Lynn Karlen.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2008, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, town of Cassel. The Rev. Barnabas Kyea will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements.