Cody Allan Karper

Cody Allan Martin Karper, 34, of rural Ontario, WI, passed away on October 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and adventure. Cody was born on June 8, 1991, to Martin and Paulette (Downing) Karper in Viroqua, WI.

Cody was raised Catholic, being baptized and confirmed at St. Mary's Ridge Catholic Church, where he also attended school at St. Mary's Ridge Catholic Grade School, followed by Brookwood High School, where he graduated in 2009. A gifted athlete, he excelled in football, wrestling, cross country, and track. It was at Brookwood that Cody met Allison Riley. They became best friends shortly after high school and married on January 28, 2013, in the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii, where they began their 12-year marriage and welcomed their first child.

In 2010, Cody enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving with distinction for five years in Hawaii and Okinawa, Japan as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter and martial art instructor, a role he embraced with courage and carried into his civilian life with unwavering dedication.

A man of boundless talents, Cody's childhood was filled with fun and adventure, often involving his close cousins and his brother, Dakota. As a father, he cherished special memories of going on camping adventures with Allison and their children, as well as canoeing and tubing the Kickapoo multiple times a year, fueled by a childhood dream to one day own and run a canoeing business of his own. He and his family would often go on winter vacations to escape the cold and get a glimpse of the tropical weather once more, relishing the warmth that reminded them of their early years in Hawaii.

Cody was a handyman with many skills, capable of accomplishing anything he set his mind to, including carpentry, electrical, and mechanical craftsmanship. His gentle heart shone through in his unwavering kindness, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need, and his infectious charm and endless supply of dad jokes could light up any room. Cody was a man who loved his family more than life itself and had a soft spot in his heart for all his nieces and nephews. Above all, his adventurous spirit inspired everyone around him, and he will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.

Cody is survived by his wife, Allison, and their children, Abigail Lana and Mason Ray; his mother, Paulette Downing Karper; father and stepmother, Martin (Anita) Karpa; sisters, Emily (Wayne) Wallace, Katie (Justin) Anderson, and Chelsea (Justin) Karper; brother, Dakota (Kiara) Karper; nieces, Samantha, Madelyn, Brooke, Sienna, Isla, Liberty, and Layla; nephews, Daniel, Owen, Dax, Cal, Casen, and Elliott; great-nephews, Noah and Simon; mother-in-law, Denise (Bill) Carpenter; sisters-in-law, Bridget (Travis) Witt and Dana (Mark) VonRuden; brother-in-law, Corey Riley; and many close cousins, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Daniel Riley; maternal grandparents, Carol and Paul Downing; paternal grandfather, Robert Karper; an Uncle, Eric Downing and friend, Adam Luing.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Independent Baptist Church, Ontario, WI, with Pastor Michael Gjefle officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Cal Day Cemetery, Rural Ontario, WI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the church, and again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Cody's light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.