James A. Karlson, age 74 of the Township of Belle Plaine, Shawano County, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022 at Shawano Health Services.
James “Jim” Arthur Karlson was born July 14, 1948 in Hinsdale, IL, son to the late George “Art” A. & Evelyn (Orbell) Karlson. The family re-located to Clintonville in the summer of 1960 and Jim later graduated from Clintonville High School with the class of 1966. He entered the United States Marine Corps and served his country from June 1967 to June 1969. Jim was seriously wounded as a result of enemy action while serving in Vietnam, and later presented with The Purple Heart Medal for his sacrifice.
After returning to the U.S. and recovering from his injuries, he attended the Colorado School of Trades, graduating in 1972. He opened Jim’s Gun Shop in March of 1974, which he later changed to Jim’s Electronics and Computers. In 1973, he met Beth J. (Hempel) Hansen; the couple later married on June 14, 1976 at St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville, where they both were members. Jim was a member of various organizations throughout the years: VFW Post #664 & American Legion Post #63 both of Clintonville, Marine Corps League, American Gold Star Mothers, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Disabled American Veterans. After being in business in Clintonville for over 30 years, Jim retired in 2004.
Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Beth
Sons: Matthew J. Hansen, Simi Valley, CA & Peter J. Karlson, Shawano
Granddaughter: Leah Karlson, Shawano
Sisters: Judith Schroeder, Iola & Nancy (Harold) Blum, New London
Sister-in-law: Margo Hempel
Brother-in-law: Scott (Pam) Hempel, Green Lake
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his son, SSG Warren S. Hansen; sisters-in-law, Gail Schindler & Terry Stollfus; and brothers-in-law, Marvin Schroeder, Michael Kotlowski, & Marc Schindler.
Funeral services will be held at 12 PM on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville, with the Rev. Jason Zobel officiating. Military honors will be conducted following the service by VFW Post #664, American Legion Post #63, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63, & VFW Auxiliary Unit #664, all of Clintonville.
Visitation will be held Wednesday at the church from 10 AM until the time of service.
Inurnment will take place at Friendship Cemetery, Town of Belle Plaine, at a later date.
The Karlson family would like to thank the staff of The Pines Post-Acute and Memory Care and Shawano Health Services, especially Tracy, for all of the wonderful care given to Jim during his stay.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Warren S. Hansen Endowment Fund at St. Martin Lutheran School, Clintonville.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Karlson family with the arrangements.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.