Kathleen Belle Karlen

Madison- Kathleen Belle Karlen, age 86, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025 at the New Glarus Home, surrounded by her family. She was born in New Glarus on April 2, 1938, the daughter of Ervin and Palma Fjelstad. 

From the age of 5 Kathleen was fascinated with playing piano. She played piano and taught in many different areas including Sunday School, for Swiss United Church of Christ in New Glaurs, for United Brethern Church in New Glarus, for the Grade school operettas, high school girls chorus and the mixed chorus, and for high school graduation. Kathleen attended many piano seminars at the UW. She was an independent Piano teacher for many years and was a past member of the Madison Area Piano Teachers Association.

Kathleen graduated from New Glarus High School where she was the treasurer, secretary, president, and valedictorian of her class. During her school years she was editor of the yearbook, a member of the junior prom court, and honored as the Midwinter Ball Queen. Kathleen enjoyed playing in the band and pep band. She received a high school honor scholarship to the UW Madison, where she was active as the assistant editor of the school newspaper and a typist, she was involved in the class play and was a member of the student council. Kathleen attended Badger Girls State at the UW.

Prior to teaching piano, Kathleen was employed as the secretary to the Principal of New Glarus Public School, then worked for the State of WI Department of Public Instruction in Madison. 

On July 7, 1957 Kathleen was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart Don Karlen of Monticello. Together they enjoyed traveling and raising their son, Dale. 

After a number of years in Madison, the family departed for Fairbanks Alaska and Kathleen was employed by the State of Alaska Division of Public Welfare. Her husband Don was stationed in Fairbanks at the time.

Kathleen was a member of the Midvale Heights Community Association. She enjoyed going out to eat, shopping, visiting with relatives and friends, watching tv, listening to music, and playing the piano and organ.

Private burial took place in Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison, WI.

A special thank you to the staff and residents of the New Glarus Home, and to Agrace HospiceCare Inc. for their love and support.

Please share your memories of Kathleen by posting in her Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Services

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

608-238-3434