Edmund M. Karls

Edmund M. Karls, age 101, of Waunakee, WI, passed away on July 5, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and deep faith that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Edmund was born on February 14, 1924, to George and Elizabeth (Hellenbrand) Karls and grew up on a large farm in Waunakee. He learned responsibility early, helping on the family farm during the Great Depression—experiences that shaped his work ethic and character. On June 1, 1954, he married the love of his life, Virginia Maerz, and together they shared 71 years of marriage. They raised eight children and built a life rooted in family, farming, and faith.

A lifelong farmer, Edmund poured his heart into the land, finding purpose and pride in the rhythms of each season. Guided by the motto, “If it’s worth doing at all, do it the best you can,” he took deep satisfaction in transforming the farm he began working in 1946, often saying it was “100% better than when I started.” He cherished every stage of the growing season—from planting to harvest.

Edmund was known for his curiosity and determination to learn. He taught himself carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, welding, machinery repair, and even basic veterinary care—all in service of making the farm and family life better. He firmly believed that “experience is your best teacher,” even when the lessons were costly.

Though hard-working, Edmund found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed reading, card games, music, and dancing. A devoted fan of baseball since his youth, he played on Sundays as a teen and continued to follow the sport throughout his life. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bowling in leagues with Virginia. Whether it was a warm slice of pie, a splash of blackberry brandy, a Spotted Cow in hand, a spin on his John Deere, or a steaming cup of coffee—always hot, hot, hot—Edmund knew how to enjoy life’s little indulgences.

His Catholic faith was central to his life. He prayed the rosary in the early morning hours, fasted on Fridays, and raised his children in the faith with quiet devotion and strong example.

Above all, Edmund loved his family. “I would be lost without them,” he once wrote. In his retirement, he delighted in spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many friends and neighbors who enriched his days. He remained sharp, quick-witted, and deeply caring to the very end. Edmund lived by the quiet conviction that “your work here on earth isn’t done until the day you die.” He embodied that belief through his enduring love, his constant pursuit of learning, and his steady, humble presence in the lives of others.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Karls; children: Joy (Fred) Kurt, Janice Hess, Russell (Anna) Karls, Sharon (Jerry) Gallagher, Larry (Joan) Karls, Karen (Bill) Quam, and Dale (Carrie) Karls. He was the proud grandfather of Tiffany (Jacob) Gitter, Justin (Ashley) Hess, Joshua Hess, Tamara (Kyle) Volz, Audrey (Michael) Savage, Bailey Gallagher (fiancé Creed Protheroe), Jesse Gallagher, Miranda (Tony) Hellenbrand, Melinda (Brad) McBride, Christina Karls, Tonya (Nate) Oswald, Stacy (Kyle) Brockmann, Kelly (Lucas) Stronach, Hailey (Michael) Krueger, Isabella (Matthew) Schack, and Anthony Karls. He is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include his sister, Lucille Endres; sister-in-law, Ruth Maerz; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Phillip Karls; son-in-law, Tom Hess; granddaughter, Olivia Karls; his parents; siblings: Helen (Lawrence) Niesen, Alfred (MaryAnn) Karls, Genny (Herman) Greiber, Betty (Herb) Laufenberg, and George (Marilyn) Karls; brothers-in-law: Donald Endres, Lawrence Esser, Raphael Maerz; and sister-in-law, Mary Jane Esser.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Agrace Hospice Care, Doctor William Ranum,and nurse Monica from SSM Health of Waunakee for all their continuing care and support.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 209 South St., Waunakee. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee, and at the church on Thursday from 9:30a.m. until the time of Mass. A reception will follow at the Springfield Inn, 6136 County Rd P, Dane, WI.

Please share your memories of Edmund by posting in his Guestbook.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI