John E. Karlslyst, Sr.

life story

A loving Dad, and "a man of few words"

About John

John E. Karlslyst, Sr., age 74, died on Wednesday, July 2, 1997, following an extended illness. John was born on May 28, 1923, in Stoughton, the son of the late Julius and Tena (Nelson) Karlslyst. He was a graduate of Stoughton High School in 1941. John married the former Doreen Sveum in 1949; he was later married to Suzanne Slinde-Ramsden in 1984. John was a veteran of World War II, serving in the 1905 Corps of Engineers. He had been employed by the Sundby Sand and Gravel Company for many years prior to his retirement.

John was a member of First Lutheran Church, VFW Post #328, and American Legion Post #59. He was a quiet and unassuming man who rarely, if ever, spoke about his war experience.

John was a great golfer in his younger days, and he dearly missed playing this game he loved.

He loved a good card game---pinochle comes to mind--- and playing cribbage. He liked to drop in on his kids for Sunday morning coffee.

John is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his children Debra (Richard) Carter; John, Jr. (Jane) Karlslyst; Kerry (Charles) Thompson; and Kathryn Karlslyst; stepchildren Barbara (Richard) Blomgren; Raymond (Linda) Ramsden; Ken Ramsden; Gary (Kim) Ramsden; and Brian (Julie) Ramsden. 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild further survive him. John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert ("Abbie") Karlslyst.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 5, 1997 at 2:00 p.m. at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH. Reverend James Schwarz will officiate, followed by Military Rites. Following cremation, burial will be at a later date at Eastside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4.