Mr. Karl G. Ahlen

WILLARD/POYNETTE-Karl G. Ahlen, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at St. Josephs Hospital in Marshfield. He was born on Sept. 20, 1930, in Madison, the son of Leonard and Helen (Olson) Ahlen. Karl served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a demolition expert. He married Joan Anderson in 1957, and later married Bonnie Alexander in 1966. Karl worked for Cuna Mutual Insurance Company supervising various departments for more than 25 years. After his retirement, Karl and his son Lenny became interested in framing wildlife prints and started the business K&L Framing. He was an honorary lifetime member of both the Blackhawk Bow Hunters Club of Madison/Verona and the Poynette Bow Hunters Club. Karl spent countless hours hunting deer and turkey, fishing, gardening, caring for his apple orchard, and feeding and watching hummingbirds. Karl is survived by his sons, Lenny (Lori) of Madison and Chris (Cyndi) Anderson of Leesburg, Va.; daughter, Julie Ahlen of Bluemont, Va.; three grandchildren, Connor, Kyle and Samuel; companion and best friend, Pat Hanson; "adopted children", Jeff and Brian Peterson of Cottage Grove; and brother, Jack (Marilyn) Ahlen of Roswell, N.M.. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister; and wife, Bonnie. There will be a gathering of family and friends at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, with military rites conducted at 7 p.m. A special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Josephs Hospital, Marshfield, for all their loving care and support of Karl, as well as the doctors and nurses in the cardiac unit at St. Marys Hospital, Madison. Service: There will be a gathering of family and friends at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, with military rites conducted at 7 p.m.