Karl E. Duerst, age 87 of Monticello, died Friday, June 27, 2014 at the New Glarus Home. Karl was born March 17, 1927 in Washington Township, Green County, Wisconsin, the son of Samuel and Fern (Zwiefel) Duerst. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1945 and attended technical college in Ohio to become a butcher. Karl married Marlea V. Duerst on June 5, 1960 in New Glarus. Karl owned and operated a butcher shop in downtown Monticello for several years. He later worked at various butcher shops before retiring from Monroe Cheese Corp in the early 1990s. He was an active member of the Zwingli United Church of Christ where he was a past president of the church consistory. He was also active in the Monticello Fire Dept., Big Brothers, and was a life member of the Monticello Historical Society. Karl loved the outdoors and was an avid sports fan, especially following the Badgers, Packers, and Monticello Ponies.

He is survived by two daughters, Barb (Dave Gietzel) Duerst of Monticello, and Ann (Dan) Stearns of Weyauwega, WI; and two granddaughters, Clare and Emilie Gietzel of Monticello. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlea, on Sept. 15, 2010, and a brother in childhood, Merlin Duerst.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at 1:00 p.m., at the Zwingli United Church of Christ with Rev. Lawrence Balleine officiating. Interment will be in Highland Cemetery, Monticello. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Coffee and cake will be served following the services. Memorials are suggested in Karl's name to Monroe Clinic Hospice or Zwingli U.C.C. The Voegeli-Newcomer Funeral Home, Monticello, is assisting the family.

www.newcomerfuneralhome.net