William F. "Bill" Karls

William F. “Bill” Karls passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 18, 2025 at the age of 83. Beloved husband of Kathy Karls (nee Wasmer) for 65 years. Loving father of the late Timothy (Susan) Karls of South Carolina, Jeffrey (Wanda) Karls of North Carolina, Mark Karls of England, Pam (Donald) Ory of Wisconsin, and Steven Karls of California. Proud grandpa of Justin (Lani), Tony (Chelsea), Joe, Mary (Joel), Erika (Lawrence), and Patrick and cherished great grandpa of many. Dear brother of the late Alex (the late Geri), Richard, Don (Sandy), Dan (Maree), Tom (Barb), and the late Mary (the late John). Further survived by Ashley and Shannon, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Bill was born in Kiel, Wisconsin, attended Saint Peter and Paul Catholic grade school and graduated from Kiel High School. When he was not working on his parents’ farm, he was active in theater, basketball, and football. He was invited as a football walk on at Wisconsin Madison College, however, a fall from a barn ended that dream. But another dream came true, he met up again with Kathy Wasmer and in 1960 they were married. Their 65 years are filled with many wonderful memories of traveling and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and friends.

Bill was extremely proud of his son, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Karls, who retired after 25 years with the U.S. Air Force; his grandson, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Justin Karls, a U.S. Army Blackhawk pilot; and his granddaughter, Major Erika Karls, a U.S. Air Force pilot.

Bill was a devoted grandfather. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports, even traveling out of state so he would not miss a game.

Bill enjoyed hunting with the members of the Thornapple Hunters Club and his sons. For 50 years he played poker with a special group of friends and once a year all of the wives were taken on a trip. He was an avid Packers and Badgers fan; he never missed watching a game.

Visitation will be held at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church (7963 S. 116th St., Franklin) on Friday, July 25 from 10:00–11:45AM with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12PM. Memorials appreciated to St. Martin of Tours Parish, the Wisconsin Humane Society (www.wihumane.org) , or to Wisconsin Right to Life (www.wisconsinrighttolife.org).