Dorothy M Karlen

Dorothy M. Karlen, age 93, of Pine Island, died on Friday, August 30, 2013 at St. Brigid's at Hi - Park in Red Wing. She was born on October 16, 1919, in Milton Township, Dodge County, to Adolph and Eva Mae (Elias) Schletty. Dorothy grew up in Milton Township and attended rural school there. She worked at MC Lawlers, Pine Island School, Pine Haven, and retired from Pine Plating. On November 12, 1938 she married Jacob Karlen in Iowa. The couple farmed together for many years. Dorothy enjoyed dancing, sewing (especially making teddy bears), ceramics, Happy-Go-Lucky card club for over 52 years, gardening (flowers, vegetables, and cactus), collecting antique creamers, and collecting teddy bears. She loved her many pet cats and dogs. Dorothy was a 4-H Leader for over 20 years, chair of Pine Island School PTA, member of Pine Island Food Shelf, and Pine Island Legion's Auxiliary. Dorothy was an active member of Zwingli United Church of Christ, serving on the Board of Christian Education, Consistory, Women's Guild, Witness Circle, Youth Director, and was also a Sunday and Bible School teacher for many years. She was also actively involved in Swissfest, and was the costume designer and seamstress.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Paul (Susan) Karlen of Red Wing, Russel (Elizabeth) Karlen of Owatonna, Linda (Greg) Johnson of Burnsville, Dennis (Karren) Karlen of Byron; grandchildren, Michael (Cindy) Karlen, Craig (Jeanna) Karlen, Sara (Chris) Holthe, Jessica (Dave) Rau, Benjamin (Jessica) Karlen, Alexandra Johnson, Jake Karlen, Kallie Karlen; great-grandchildren, Kathryn (Brett) and Anthony, Kelsey and Jake, Mary and Mollie, Gavin, Bailey, Tatum, Grayson, Shaela Jo; many cousins; sister-in-law, Helen Schranz of Colorado Springs, CO, and her family.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob Karlen who died on July 20, 1994.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Zwingli United Church of Christ with Reverend Victor Jortack, Reverend Gary Kasten, and Reverend George Coy officiating. Burial will be in Berne Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at Mahn Family Funeral Home - Mahler Chapel in Pine Island, and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to Zwingli United Church of Christ. www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com

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Visitation

SEP 3. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CDT)

Mahn Family Funeral Home, Mahler Chapel
209 NW 1st Ave. P.O. Box 117
Pine Island, MN 55963

Visitation

SEP 4. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)

Zwingli UCC
Berne, MN

Service

SEP 4. 11:00 AM (CDT)

Zwingli UCC
Berne, MN