Regina Karls

MADISON / WAUNAKEE - Regina Ann "Jean" (Clark) Karls, almost 84, of Madison died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 20, 2017. She was born in Jermyn (near Scranton), Pennsylvania, daughter of James and Helen (Ruane) Clark on June 26, 1933.

As a young child, Jean and her family moved to Endicott, New York where her father became employed by IBM. Jean enjoyed her formative years with many friends and always spending time at the family cottage on Lake Winola in Pennsylvania. Jean, even as a young child was a very devout Catholic. She started singing for daily mass and in the Sunday Choir as a young girl. After completing business school, she was very proud to follow in her father's footsteps and work for IBM for many years.

In 1953 Jean met her future husband Robert "Bob" Karls when he moved to Endicott to start working for IBM as well. They were married in St. Ambrose Church in Endicott on November 26, 1955. Bob and Jean had four children and lived in both Endicott and White Plains, New York during Bob's IBM career.

Upon early retirement, the family moved to Bob's hometown of Waunakee. They enjoyed their time in Waunakee and spending time at their cottage on Lake Wisconsin. When they decided to retire again they spent the winter months in Sun Lakes, Arizona where they spent many happy years and enjoyed returning to Lake Wisconsin every summer.

Anyone who met Jean knew immediately that she was a devout Catholic and a tad sassy with a great Irish wit. She was very proud of her Irish heritage. Wherever they lived, they cultivated strong friendships and became very involved in their local Parish. When they moved recently to Madison to be closer to family they became very active with Our Lady Queen of Peace and attended daily Mass. She also would stop during the day to say a quick prayer and light a candle for anyone in need.

Jean's biggest devotion was to her family. Her husband and children were everything to her. From school plays to soccer games, from dance recitals and field trips to graduations, Jean was there - and often bearing food. Cooking was Jean's sport. She always surrounded her family with delicious meals. She read cook books from cover to cover ---- often commenting in the margins on whether the author got it right - or not.

Jean's other daily rituals included walking, exercise class, keeping a clean beautiful home, setting a welcoming table and a well-earned cocktail with Bob at the end of the day. She and Bob relished sunsets on Lake Wisconsin, warm winter days in Sun Lakes and summer visits to Ogunquit, Maine. They traveled often to the East Coast to spend time with their children and grandchildren that resided there.

Jean will be remembered for her witty sayings, immaculately kept hair and nails, a love of Talbots clothing, the gold jewelry she faithfully wore, her stories about her family and about life, and her willingness to say "I will say a prayer for you." And if "Mack the Knife" or "Leroy Brown" were playing, you'd better believe, she was on the dance floor with Bob in tow. She loved music and she loved dancing.

Jean is survived by her daughter Jeannie (Mark) Leibovitz of Topsfield, Massachusetts, daughter Maureen (Gary) Kline of Brackney, Pennsylvania, son Robert "Bobby" (Douglas Zander) of Madison, Wisconsin and son William "Billy" (Ann Levihn) of Madison Wisconsin; her husband's siblings, Bernette O'Connor, Agnes (Jack) Leonard, Jim (Jan), Paul (Elaine), Stan (Kim), Barbara (Bob) Justl, Jane (John) Hartmann; grandchildren, Andrew (Kerry) Kline, Kate (Tommy) Kerwin, Lauren Kline Kimberly Leibovitz and Max Levihn Karls; great-grandchildren, Madeline, Claire, Everett, and Caroline; along with several nieces and nephews and a very special cousin, Sally (Robert) Wieler of Columbia, South Carolina.

Jean was preceded in death by her dear husband of 61 years Robert, on December 12, 2016; by her parents; her brother James Clark Jr.; Bob's parents, Anton and Emma Karls; sister-in law, Mary Karls; and brothers-in-law, Tony Karls and Harold O'Connor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison with Monsignor Kenneth J. Fiedler presiding. Family will greet friends, at church, one hour prior to Mass. A luncheon will follow at Nakoma Country Club at 4145 Country Club Road in Madison. A private family burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Waunakee at a later date.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. or the Catholic Multicultural Center.

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Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434