Carl A. Marhenke

1936 - 2023

Marhenke, Carl A.

November 22, 1936 - September 13, 2023

Carl A. Marhenke, 86, born in Tekamah, Nebraska, son of Walter Fred Marhenke and Mary Elizabeth (Corey) Marhenke. Carl attended Tekamah High School and upon graduation joined the United States Army. His military service spanned two years, nine months, six days, 23 hours, and 18 minutes; a joke Carl used since he was discharged from the Army. Carl's military experience left him a deep love for his country and unwavering patriotism.

Carl and Irene (Christofferson) Marhenke married on April 7, 1962 at the Lutheran Church in Blair, Nebraska. They lived in Tekamah, Nebraska, where they raised four daughters. With the birth of his oldest daughter, Diane, Carl became a strong advocate and campaigned diligently to the Unicameral to improve the lives of those with disabilities.

Carl worked in many fields throughout his life. Most notably he was a Diesel Mechanic for John Deere, an electrician business owner, served at the Nebraska State Penitentiary and the Black Hill Energy Company. In 2002, he closed this career chapter and retired to hunt fulltime for Ralph Kohler.

With over 40-plus years as a waterfowl hunting guide for Ralph Kohler, Carl's passion for hunting can hardly be overstated. Carl entertained fellow hunters with stories and meals, making him a true cornerstone of the blind. A good number of the grandchildren also had the chance to share in hunting with Grandpa Carl. At some juncture, he earned the nickname "Killer Karl," undoubtedly accompanied by an intriguing and amusing tale. Carl dabbled in writing and poetry, founding the 'Kohler Report' blog. This platform served as a virtual haven for fellow hunters. It became a resource for other hunters to enjoy the days hunt when they were unable to be in the blinds. Carl infused each post with his day's events, consistently ending with a call to 'say a prayer for our military heroes serving our country.' His blog garnered a devoted following. One of his last series, in November 2014, was about 'Filling the Void,' as Ralph retired. It marked the end of this chapter in Carl's life as well, after over four decades of hunting and creating cherished memories.

Carl also enjoyed keeping bees and doing countless other projects such as making Willow canes, meat smokers and fryers.

Carl is survived by his loving wife, Irene; daughters: Mary (Mike) Anderson of Tekamah, NE, Vickie (Mike) Stang of Herman, NE and Janet (Bob) Blair of Maywood, MO; five grandchildren: Mitchell (Natalie), Matthew (Liz), Kyle (Taylor), Sarah (Andy), and Amy (Lance), and two great grandchildren Otto and Oliver Anderson. Preceded in death by daughter Diane Marhenke, parents, and five siblings.

Celebration of life will be held on Monday, September 18 at The United Methodist Church of Tekamah with visitation beginning at 10 a.m/ and service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Tekamah VFW Post 3304, Tekamah Herman Volunteer Fire and Rescue or Tekamah Chat Center.

Campbell Aman Funeral Home

444 S 17h Street, Blair, NE 68008 www.campbellaman.com