Royal F. Karlen, age 91, of Monroe, died on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at his home. Royal was born on August 15, 1932 on the Karlen home farm outside of Monticello, the son of Herman G. and Agnes (Lawrence) Karlen. He attended Monticello High School, farmed for a few years, and worked at Argyle Dairy for five years. In 1961, Royal purchased his own milk route which he ran until retiring in 2005. He was happy to have hauled for Klondike Cheese for many years. Royal married Geri Berg in 1952 and they later divorced. He was united in marriage to Betty Pinnow in 1995. He was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church, Monroe Moose Lodge, and was an avid Wisconsin Badger Basketball fan and season ticket holder since 1965. Royal was proud of his Farmall B tractor and 2010 Chevy Camaro SS.
He is survived by a daughter, Kay (Jim “Bullet” ) Doyle; son, Gerald “Fuzzy” (Sheila) Karlen; step-children, Stephanie Seubert, Kelli Pinnow, Wendy (Randy) Kahly; three grandchildren, Patrick (Katie Sturdevant) Doyle, Tawni (Lee) Kobielak, Brianna (Noah) Thompson; eight step-grandchildren, Christopher (Sommer) Auer, Heidi (Matthew) Reeter, Cory (Haley) Auer, Stephen Seubert, Amy (Eric) Dawson, Ryan, Rachel, and Joshua (Desiree) Ellingson; five greatgrandchildren, Lakeyn and Kashton Doyle, Mady and Roylen Kobielak, Navy Thompson; and twelve step-greatgrandchilden. He is further survived by Jaime (Mia) Pinnow and their children; sisters-in-law, Marian and Kathleen Karlen; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; Betty Karlen and Geri Berg; two brothers, Lawrence and Donald; step-son, Steve Pinnow; step-grandson, Scott Auer; and step-son-in-law, Tom Seubert.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 12, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe. Private family funeral services will be held with Rev. Jeffrey Meyer officiating. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, South Wayne. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Royal’s name to SSM Monroe Hospice or Monroe United Methodist Church. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
