Marlys Karl

Marlys “Bernie” Karl, age 94, of Luck, WI, formerly of Lewis, passed away Monday, May 30, 2016. Bernie was born on June 12, 1921, to the late Arthur R. and Hilda A. (Johnson) Giles, at home on the family farm, where Malone Bridge crosses the Clam River. She attended grades one through eight at the May School, and attended high school in Webster and Siren, graduating from Siren High School in 1938. As a young adult, Bernie lived and worked in Saint Paul, MN. On November 20, 1943, Bernie married Earl Axel Karl in Pine City, MN. For thirty-one years, they lived on the Karl farm, north of Lewis, and raised their children. Bernie also worked seasonally for Stokely Van Camp in Frederic and Searles Cranberry Marsh. In 1975, Bernie and Earl left the farm and retired to their log cabin, north of Lewis. She moved to Siren in 2008, and was currently a resident of Pioneer Home in Luck. Bernie was a consummate photographer and a very good writer. She recorded history of the family and community, and submitted stories to the Leader newspaper. She enjoyed scrapbooking, walking and hiking in the local area, swimming, and canoeing. Bernie also loved dancing, especially the tango. She took great pride in her canning, cooking and baking, and making huge meals for the family. Bernie was a strong supporter of the 4-H. She entered her baking and vegetables in the local county fairs, and won many prizes for her home-baked bread. Bernie is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl; a son, Darrell James “Jim” Karl; a son in infancy, Jay Allen Karl; grandson, Andrew James “Dude: Karl; sisters, Alesi and Faith; brothers, Robert and Gardner Giles; and brothers-in-law, John Klein, Warren Karl, and Leslie Tjader; and sister-in-law, Norma Hansen. She is survived by a son, Earl W. “Bud” Karl; grandchildren: Angela Sue (Jeff) Thomas, Aarol Laun Karl, Ashley Nicole Karl, MacKenzie (Eric) Seidelmann, and Mya (Derek) Snyder; great-grandchildren: Kayla, Hannah, Emma, Drew, Mason, Hayden, Jamison, Helen, and Olivia; and a great great-grandchild, McKenna. She is also survived by sisters: June Klein and Carol Karl (Donald) Johnson; brother, Emory Giles; daughter-in-law, Connie Graf; sisters-in-law, Nancy and Helen; numerous nieces and nephews; many Hansen cousins; and other relatives. A memorial service honoring the life of Bernie Karl will be conducted at 1:00pm (visitation 12:00pm to 1:00pm), Saturday, June 4, 2016, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Siren, with Pastor Carl Heidel officiating. Interment will be private. Honorary Pallbearers are: Renn Karl, Luis Karl, Perry Karl, Max Karl, Darwin Karl, Vaughn Karl, and Kris Surbaugh. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Siren, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.