WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Herman Kenneth Karlsten, after 90 years of life, passed away in the home of his granddaughter, Kimberly Staley.
Herman was born on July 27, 1922 in Chicago, the son of John and Annie Karlsten.
On Aug. 29, 1942 he married Mae Belle Olson in Chicago. She preceded him in passing on Aug. 5, 2002. Before being drafted in 1943, Herman owned and operated a tire repair shop in the city.
In June of 1943 Herman was drafted to serve in the United States military during World War II. After the war he went to work for Standard Oil Co. where he put in 34 years of dedicated service.
At the time of his retirement in 1977, Herman and Mae Belle moved to Colon to live near their daughter Barbara Ann who moved there in 1962. Both his homes in Colon were built by Herman himself with the help of his late son-in-law Bob Fredenburg. In his last year of life, Herman enjoyed dinners put on by the local churches, along with a good game of football.
He is survived by his granddaughter, Kimberly Lynn Staley (Jamie), and his great-grandchildren Alanah Marie, Kelly Marie, and Benjamin James Haskin. He was preceded in death by his daughter Barbara Ann Karlsten who passed away in 1999 and his great-granddaughter Sarah Louise Haskin who passed away in 1991.
There will be no visitations in respect of Herman’s wishes. However, a graveside funeral service and burial will take place Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, at 4 p.m. at Lakeside Cemetery in Colon with Pastor Randy Evans officiating. After the service the family invites attendees to join in a memorial dinner in memory of Herman.
If one desires to make a memorial donation, please make a donation to the Colon Rescue Squad or to the Caring Kitchen program as Herman loved both of these programs. Envelopes will be available at the Schipper Funeral Home LTD. in Colon.
