Robert (Bob) A. Karl

Robert (Bob) A. Karl, 89, passed away at home February 17, 2025, after a short illness. He was born March 16, 1935, in Kewaunee to Clarence and Matilda (Plansky) Karl. Bob attended Holy Rosary School and graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1953. He met his wife, Joan Thompson, in high school and they were married on June 30, 1955, at Holy Rosary Church in Kewaunee.

In 1957, they bought and remodeled Dikeman schoolhouse and joined St. Hedwig's Parish where he was a Lector and involved in many other church activities. In 1980, the family moved closer to Kewaunee and joined Holy Rosary Parish.

He was employed at Svoboda Church Furniture in Kewaunee for 16 years and Hamilton Mfg., in Two Rivers for 33 years, retiring in 1997. After retirement he continued to operate, with Joan, Karl's Sports Supply (founded in 1970) selling sporting goods and repairing rods and reels. Bob was an avid Packers and Brewers fan, enjoying many games on TV. He loved hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. On October 28, 2001, he was fortunate to kill the largest 14-point buck ever taken with a bow and arrow in Forest County. On September 16, 2017, at age 82 and still climbing trees, he shot his first bear. He was an active member of the Algoma-Kewaunee Area Great Lakes Sport Fisherman Club, Treasurer for the Town of West Kewaunee (1969-1999) and Town Supervisor (2009-2019) and a member of Holy Rosary Congregation.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Joan; seven children, Cathy (Harold Olson), Bob (Luanne), Tom (Michelle), Tim (Debbie), John (Mary), Mary (Jim) Bertrand, and Terri Kroll; grandchildren Angie (Chad) Denis, Alison (Brian) Hendrickson, Ryan (Jessie) Vanne, Dalton Karl (friend Katelyn), Laura (Chris) Seehaver, Jacob Karl, Miracle (Ethan) Everson, Chloe Karl (friend Dillon), Mitchell Karl, Justin Bertrand (friend Ashley), Jayme Bertrand (fiancée Paige), Logan Kroll, Anna (Justin) Fawcett; six step grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, Clayton Denis, Conner Denis (friend Logan), Grace Hendrickson, Ara Vanne, Daytona and Andrew Seehaver, Jeremiah Karl, Avery Bertrand, Braxten Bertrand; seven step great grandchildren; a longtime friend since high school, Chuck Molle; further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother Arnold; son-in-law Kurt Kroll; father and mother-in-law George and Anna Thompson; in-laws Marie and Henry Bruening, George and Martha Thompson, Joseph and Monica Thompson, Marcel and Evelyn Thompson, Helen and Francis Murphy; and many aunts and uncles.

Visitation will take place on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at Holy Rosary Church, Kewaunee. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00 pm at Holy Rosary with Fr. George Daniel, Msgr. Jim Dillenburg, Deacon Dennis Sutter, and Deacon Chuck Agnew officiating. Burial will take place at St. Hedwig Cemetery in West Kewaunee.

The Karl Family would like to thank Unity Hospice, St. Vincent Hospital, Pastoral Care, especially Chuck and Eileen Agnew, including all of our family and friends for all their thoughts and prayers. Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the Karl family. Online condolences can be shared at KinnardFCS.com