Norman B. Karlen

Norman B. Karlen 80, 1214 Callon St., Wausau, died Monday, September 29, 2003 under the care of Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Community Health Care Wausau Hospital. He was born November 2, 1922 in the town of Cassel, son of the late John and Margaret (Imhoff) Karlen. Norman and Irene (Hack) were blessed with 56 years of marriage. They were married on October 23, 1946 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marathon. Norman was a machine operator for 33 years with the former James River Corporation until retiring in 1985 and was a member of their Quarter Century Club. He was a member of the Church of St. Anne and a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters St. Leo Court #795, Marathon. Hobbies he enjoyed include golf, bowling, fishing, going on trips, being with family, and watching his grandchildren grow. He was also an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Survivors besides his wife Irene Karlen, Wausau, include four daughters, Carol Venske, Wausau, Patricia Lemmer, Wausau, Diane (Daniel) Krebsbach, Appleton, Debra (Joe) Kasmerchak, Wausau; 10 grandchildren, Michelle Venske-Reid, Krista Venske, Troy Lemmer, Todd Lemmer, Christopher Lemmer, Heather Krebsbach, Tiffany Krebsbach, Tara Krebsbach, Jessica Kasmerchak and Carissa Kasmerchak; three sisters, Elizabeth Lang, Wausau, Margaret (Tony) Wilichowski, Wausau and Dorothy Baumann, Marshfield; one brother, Raymond (Betty) Karlen, Edgar; and one sister-in-law, Marie Karlen. He was preceded in death by one grandson Eric Krebsbach; three brothers, Richard, Leo and John Karlen, Jr.; and one sister Gertrude Lang. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2003 at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau. The Rev. Steven Brice will preside. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon. Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. Friday until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Father Steven Brice, Father Michael Lynch, the staff of the ICU Unit and the Comfort Care and Hopice Services Unit at Wausau Hospital for the love, care and concern extended to them during Norman's illness. This support has meant so much and will always be remembered. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condoences at www.petersonkraemer.com