LODI - Richard “Rick” William Karls, age 67, passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Rick was born on March 22, 1957, to the late William and Diane (Pape) Karls. He graduated from Lodi High School in 1975 and earned an associate degree in Auto Body Technician from MATC in 1977. Rick married Bonnie Morter, September 7, 1985. Unfortunately, they were not able to have children.

Rick loved football, hot rods, fishing, and scuba diving. He joined the Wisconsin National Guard and was assigned to the 147th Aviation Battalion. Rick served for 30 years. He was a Crew Chief on a Black Hawk helicopter. He loved to fly. Rick was a Combat Veteran serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and the Iraq War. We were told Rick’s pancreatic cancer was caused by burning oil wells, nerve agents and burn pits. Rick and his wife were proud of his service. Rick idolized his uncles who served in Vietnam, especially his Uncle Ken Pape and Uncle Frank Pape, a Fighter Pilot, and Top Gun Instructor.

Rick is survived by his wife of 38 years, Bonnie; his sisters, Audrey (Jim) Prieve and Fay (Steve) Schmitt; in-laws, Bruce (Charlene) Morter, Joanne (Doug) Malisch, Patty Morter, Julia Morter and Jeff Morter; 24 nieces, nephews and grand and great grand nieces and nephews; and his lifelong friend, Larry Nolden.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Russell and Dolores (Foye) Morter; a special nephew, William Prieve; two brothers-in-law, Clarence and Brad Morter; and a sister-in-law, Patty Morter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at BLESSED TRINITY CATHOLIC PARISH AT ST. PATRICK CHURCH LODI, 521 Fair St., Lodi, at 11 a.m., on Monday, May 20, 2024, with the Rev. Fr. Enan Zelinski officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday.

A big thank you to the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital and the UW Carbone Cancer Center. The Infusion Nurses rocked, as well as the other Doctors and Nurses.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Richard William Karls

March 22, 1957 - May 10, 2024

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