From the Monticello Area Historical Society obituary records: Louise Magdalena Karlen March 13, 1850 — January 19, 1916.

“Mrs. Louise Magdalena Karlen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Klossner, (nee Margaret Rebmann), was born March 13, 1850, at Latterbach, Canton of Glarus, Switzerland. The days of her youth were spent in the land of her nativity, where she received a good education, having attended various schools. She was confirmed at Erlenbach on Good Friday, 1866. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Rudolph Karlen on Feb. 10, 1871. Shortly after their marriage the couple emigrated to America coming direct to Wisconsin and locating on a farm in Washington Township. This union was blessed with nine children — five sons and four daughters, one of the latter having passed away in early infancy … The deceased is survived by eight children as follows: Jacob Karlen, of West Butte, Mont; Ernest Karlen, of Chicago; William, of Washington township; Herman and Fred Karlen, Mrs. Louise Elmer and the Misses Hulda and Freda Karlen, of Monticello. One sister still lives in Switzerland and she is also survived by four grandchildren.”

Visit www.monticellohistoricalsociety.org for more local history.