Nicholas Karlen

Nicholas "Nick" J. Karlen 74, Poniatowski, died Friday June 9, 2006 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born April 23, 1932 in Wausau, son of the late Ignatz "Nick" and Rose (Ritter) Karlen. On May 19, 1973, he married Mary (Princl) Wisnewski at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. She survives. For 27 years, Nick owned and operated Karlen's Bulldozing and Excavating. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski and currently served on their Cemetery Board. Among his other involvements, he was a member of the Edgar Lions Club, The National Catholic Society of Foresters and he also volunteered at St. Anthony Catholic School. Because of his fine worksmanship, Nick's hobby of making clocks and picture frames evolved into a full time business known as Karlen's Custom Frames and Clocks. He enjoyed going to Craft Shows and attending the Central Wisconsin Steam and Gas Engine Show. For several years, Nick was a gas station attendant for Riiser Energy in Wausau. Family was important to Nick and he treasured the time spent with his children and grandchildren. He attended many of his children's sporting events and his grandchildren's school programs through the years. "On the Road Again" was a famous phrase of Nick's and was used often as he enjoyed traveling and visiting with family and friends. "Oh yeah!!" will be remembered especially by his grandchildren as another one of his trademark sayings. Favorite pastimes included fishing, card playing and grilling out. Survivors include his wife, Mary Karlen, Poniatowski, three children, Joseph (Kandra) Karlen, Stoughton, Randall (fiance', Laura Tibaldo) Karlen, DePere, Sarah (Andy Stein) Karlen, Wausau, four step children, Pamela (John) Thimm, Andover, Minn., Renee (David) Peterson, Wausau, Wendy (James) Thomas, Franklin, Wis., Sherry (Francis "Archie") Schueller, Athens, 12 grandchildren, Derek & Hunter Karlen; Brianna & Chelsea Thimm; Ali & Marcus Peterson; Sarita, Jamal & Whitney Thomas; Ashley, Amanda & Alyssa Schueller, a brother, Ervin (Gertrude) Karlen, Edgar, two sisters, Lucille (Warren) Hager, Stratford, Sylvia (Harvey) Nowacki, Milwaukee and his step-mother-in-law, Ethel Princl, Wausau. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday June 12, 2006 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. Rev. Charles Hiebl and Deacon Leroy Knauf will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. Monday until the time of services at the church. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Cardiovascular Associates, with special thanks to Dr. Binder, Dr. Overton and nurses, Heidi and Ann for the care and compassion extended to Nick and his family. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com