Helen Karls

LODI/DANE - Helen (Dresen) Karls passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Sienna Crest, Lodi. She was born on Nov. 15, 1930, in Martinsville, WI, the daughter of John and Anna (Wildenberg) Dresen. She married Mienrod Karls on Oct. 18, 1949. They lived most of their lives on the family farm in Dane, raising eight children. They were married 46 years until Mienrod’s passing in 1995. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Tom Karls; her brothers, Jack (Alma) Dresen and Louie (Lucy) Dresen; sisters, Sally (Al) Hornbeck, Kay Lynch and Loretta (Bill) Goff; her brothers-in-law, Roman (Bernie) Karls and Herb (Clara) Karls; and sisters-in-law, Rosella (Bill) Stoffels, Leona (Joe) Ziegler and Mary (Cyril) Ripp.

Helen is survived by her six daughters, Jane (Chuck) Zwettler, Jean (Jim) Olsen, Sue (Jim) Karpinsky, Sandy (Steve) Lane, Joan Lord, and Karen (Doug) Schutz; her son, Jim (Cathy) Karls; daughter-in-law Dawn Karls; 25 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends who were blessed by her presence.

Helen was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and participated in many community ministries, including the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Woman, Dane Legion Auxiliary, Lodi Art Club, Stitch and “Chat” sewing, the Comforter Quilting Ministry, and the Feisty Red Hatters. She took great pride in taking her beautiful paintings and flower arrangements to the Lodi Fair, winning many blue ribbons. Helen and Mienrod belonged to several card clubs, enjoying every one of their many friends over the years.

Helen’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and enjoying their yearly trips to Webster (30 years), fishing, playing games, and maybe a trip or two to the casino. She made her yearly trek to the chapel at Indian Lake Park; the last time was when she was 93.
 

The family is thankful to her for teaching them so many wonderful life lessons; cooking, canning, gardening and especially her giving nature.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE PARISH AT ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH, 109 South Military Rd, Dane, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with Fr. Anthony Kersting presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201