Bonnie Jean Karlen, Janesville  (1945 - 2013)

September 6, 1945 - March 3, 2013
Bonnie Jean Karlen, age 67, of Janesville, died on Sunday, March 3, 2013, at home, surrounded by family after a short, but courageous, battle with cancer. Bonnie was born in Janesville on Sept. 6, 1945, the daughter of Harold and Esther (Soetaert) Schroeder. She graduated from Janesville Senior High school in 1963, and married William C. Karlen on July 21, 1970. Bonnie worked most of her life starting as a waitress, later for Gibbs Mfg., and then Prent Corp. for 38 years until retiring in 2012, due to her health. She enjoyed being with people and her family. Bonnie was friends with almost everyone she knew and her laughter was an inspiration to all her friends. She enjoyed cooking and having the family over for all the holidays. She was proud of both her sons, and especially enjoyed her grandchildren, Matt and Lexi, with whom she would interject Grandmotherly advice when needed. Her latest joy was the addition of her first great-granddaughter, Ali, this last July.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, William Karlen; two sons, Brian (Rhonda) and Brett (Kristen Ward), both of Janesville; two grandchildren, Matthew and Alexis of Janesville; great-granddaughter, Aliyah of Janesville; three sisters: Carol (Tom) Bluhm of Arkdale, WI, Nancy (Richard) Karlen of Janesville, and Donna (Gene Dunn) Stucky of Rochester, MN; a brother, Gary Schroeder of Janesville; many nieces; and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Geraldine Kutz; and sister-in-law, Donna Schroeder.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY with Rev. Bruce Jones officiating. Lasting memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. For on-line condolences and registry: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com
The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare, Inc.