Gary W. Karns

Gary W. Karns, of Hayward, passed away on Friday, May 25, 2012, at the Hayward Area Memorial Hospital.

Gary William Karns was born Aug. 22, 1938, the son of Delbert and Gladys (Dunlap) Karns.  He grew up in Menomonie, where he developed deep and enduring friendships with many of his high school classmates.  

After graduating from Menomonie High School, Gary joined the U.S. Air Force on Sept. 18, 1956.  He served his country until his honorable discharge on Jan. 7, 1959.

After his time in the service he attended UW-Stout for a few semesters then transferred to UW-Madison and graduated with a degree in finance.

On Nov. 11, 1978, Gary was joined in marriage to Marilyn Belknap in Madison. After working in business in Madison for many years, he and his wife, Marilyn, moved to the Hayward area in 1991 to fulfill their lifelong dream of building their own house on Moose Lake.  Gary became very active in the community.  He was a member of the Town of Round Lake Volunteer Fire Department and a First Responder for 15 years.  He was a charter member of the Chequamegon Lions Club.  Gary was a Town of Round Lake Supervisor for four years and became Town Chairman in 2007.  He held this position until the time of his death.  Nothing brought him more joy then serving his community, of which he was so proud to be a member.  

Gary is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marilyn; one sister, Lita Peterson of Port Washington; two brothers, Bill (Ruth) Karns of Monona, Jack (Sheri) Karns of Brooklyn; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in  death by his parents; one brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Karen Karns; one sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Vern Green; and one brother-in-law, Bob Peterson.

A memorial service celebrating Gary's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, at the Anderson-Nathan-Koerpel Funeral Home in Hayward with Pastor Gary Hilgendorf officiating.  A time of gathering with family and friends will be held for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.  Military honors will be accorded by the State of Wisconsin Military Honors Program.  

In lieu of flowers,  memorials may be directed to the Town of Round Lake Volunteer Fire Department.  

Online condolences may be left at www.andersonnathan.com.