Robert Karls

It is with a deep sadness that we share that Robert (Bob) Clark Karls of Madison, WI passed away on April 2, 2022.

Bob was born on August 18, 1969 to Robert and Jean Karls in Binghamton, New York. Bob’s family moved to Waunakee, Wisconsin when he was 16 and he’s called Wisconsin home ever since. He graduated from Waunakee Highschool and later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for his undergraduate degree. Following his graduation, he established a family and community of loved ones in Madison.

He dedicated the entirety of his professional career and over 30 years of service to the Soybean Farmers of Wisconsin, working tirelessly and selflessly as an advocate for farmers both regionally here in Madison and in Washington D.C, inspiring many future soybean and agricultural advocates alike.

Bob shared his life with his husband Doug and their cherished dog, Jack. Bob and Doug shared many cherished and loved things together, like traveling, cars, and their large group of close friends in both Palm Springs, California and Saugatuck, Michigan. Bob was an incredible cook, who loved to entertain his friends and family.

Bob is survived by his husband Douglas G. Zander, Step-children Erica (Jeff Meier), Carrie Zander-Lancaster (John), James Zander (Ellen Weiler), and Meghan Zander as well as his step-grandchildren Lauren, Mason Meier, Evelyn Zander and Lyndon Belle Teasdale. He is also survived by his siblings Jeannie (Mark Leibovitz), Maureen (Gary Kline), Bill Karls (Annie Levihn) and Godson Max Levihn-Karls.

Bob’s family was the light of his life. He loved them all dearly, as they did him, and he had the utmost pleasure of sharing his life with them. The legacy of Bob’s kind spirit, dedication to his career, and selfless endeavors will live on through them. Bob will be missed, but surely not forgotten.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 11:00am at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road in Madison. A visitation will begin at 9:00am until the time of the service. The memorial service will also be live-streamed via the following link: event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=8b901575-29f9-4500-9e59-078592034647

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Diabetes Association and Agrace Hospice at 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg WI.