Lorraine J. Karling

Lorraine J. Karling, 85, a lifelong Superior area resident, died peacefully on Monday, February 18, 2013 surrounded by her loving family following a brief illness at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth.

She was born on March 19, 1927 in Superior to Ben and Josephine (Kwapik) Tylenda.

She was a 1945 graduate of the former Central High School in Superior.

Lorraine and Joseph Karling were married on July 3, 1948 at Holy Assumption Catholic Church of which she was a longtime member.

Lorraine was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family always came first to her. She loved her many years at their cabin and then the home her husband built at Little Sand Lake in Minong. She was a hard worker who loved and was so proud of the gorgeous large sand beach she raked daily. She loved working in her vegetable and flower gardens at the lake. She spent her early retirement years enjoying the Arizona sunshine with Joe and her son, Tim, in Apache Junction, AZ. Lorraine was an independent spunky lady who loved to dance the polka, shop, cook, read and wash clothes. She was affectionately called “Nana” by her family.

Lorraine worked at the former Superior Co-op and was employed by the Superior School District as a secretary at Central Junior High School from 1969 until her retirement in 1983.

Among those who survive and gratefully shared her life are her children, Rita (John) Wallin, JoAnn Miller, and Timothy Karling; three grandchildren, Scott (Heather) Wallin, Brian (Carrie) Wallin and Stacey (Tom Burke) Miller; three great-grandchildren, Joey Miller, Alek and Stephanie Wallin; one niece, Mary Kay (Alan) Houglum; one nephew, John Harder and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph S. Karling on March 5, 1990, her parents Ben and Josephine Tylenda and her friend and companion in later years, Richard “Dick” Plasch.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 22, 2013 at Holy Assumption Catholic Church and continue until the 12:00 PM Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Ronald Olson as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Superior.

Pallbearers for the service will be Scott, Brian and Alek Wallin, Stacey and Joey Miller and Tom Burke. Honorary pallbearers will be Mary Kay Houglum, John Harder, Heather, Carrie and Stephanie Wallin.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Lorraine’s name to the St. Francis Activity Fund at 1800 New York Avenue, Superior WI 54880.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.
To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.