Clara E Karl

Clara E. Karl, age 93, of Neillsville, WI died on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at the Miller Alternative Care Facility in Marshfield, WI.Clara was born on July 2, 1918 in Neillsville, WI the daughter of Emil and Leona (Sukow) Zank. She attended the Silver Crest Grade School and graduated from Neillsville High School. Clara took the Teacher Training program offered in Neillsville and also some Teaching Courses through the UW Whitewater. She began her teaching career in Neillsville area grade schools and then taught high school in Fall Creek, WI. Clara was united in marriage to Rufus Karl on December 14, 1952 in Rice Lake, WI. After their marriage, Clara, stayed at home and raised their family. When her children were old enough she returned to teaching as a substitute and she also worked as the Children's Librarian at the Neillsville Public Library for many years.She was a member of the Pine Valley Zion Lutheran Church and over the years helped with vacation bible school. Clara enjoyed music and playing the piano. She liked to spend time with her husband driving around the countryside looking for antiques, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.She is survived by two sons; Milan Mike (Mary) Karl of Chili, WI and Ivan Joe (Julie) Karl of Neillsville, WI, five grandchildren, Nicole, Brian, Whitney, LeAnn and Dessa Karl, a sister, Gladys (Bill) Schaal of Washington, IL and several nieces and nephews.Clara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Rufus and a sister, Elsie Zank.Funeral Services for Clara will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2011 at the Pine Valley Zion Lutheran Church. Pastor Keith Lueneburg will officiate. Providing music will be Virginia Karnitz, organist. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2011 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville and also from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Friday at the church. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456