Obituary for Karl H. “K.T.” Terlinden Print Karl Howard Terlinden passed away January 22, 2019 amidst a beautiful winter snowfall under a full moon. He courageously fought for seven weeks after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. Karl was born on September 6th, 1953 in West Bend, Wisconsin to Dolores (Kocher) and the late Ervin Terlinden.
He followed in his father’s footsteps by carrying on the family legacy of Terlinden Roofing; established in 1947. Karl had immense pride in his work and could remember each home he roofed. For Karl, his business was not just about the color of the shingle or the style of the roof, it was about getting to know his customers as individuals.
During winter, Karl became part of a tradition for many families, as he shook out thousands of Christmas trees over the years at his family’s tree lot, on the corner of 8th and Poplar. When he wasn’t at the tree lot, Karl was plowing, slushing, and salting businesses and homes. Karl watched the radar in anticipation of upcoming blizzards, which undoubtedly meant he would be plowing all night stopping to refuel with a Double-Webb.
Karl had many diverse interests. Many people knew Karl’s love of racing; he raced modified cars and also loved being a spectator, especially at Plymouth where he could enjoy a Miesfield’s steak sandwich. He enjoyed fishing for walleye and northerns, and looked forward to out-fishing his sons and friends on their trips to Canada.
Karl never tired of traveling to new places often choosing the backroads over the highways. He travelled internationally, including a special trip with his daughters. One of Karl’s many hobbies included going to auctions with Donna to bid on handmade quilts.
Many people knew the colorful side of Karl, but those who knew him best respected his humbleness and generosity. Karl anonymously donated to countless organizations; therefore, it was not surprising he donated his corneas to help others. In lieu of flowers please honor Karl’s memory by; going for a Harley ride on a back country road, indulging in a scoop of frozen custard, planting a tree, eating a piece of poppy seed torte, taking a nap, feeding the birds, attending a county fair, listening to live music, adding commentary to an episode of Survivor, or enjoying a Kessler and Coke.
The family is honoring Karl’s specific wishes to have a private Celebration of Life. He is survived by his wife and soulmate Donna Kogler, children Jesse (Amber), Heidi (Will) Lindman, Luke (Margie), Marie Terlinden, step-daughters Jennifer (Mark) Kogler-Schanen, Abigail (Joe) Finn, and Elizabeth Kogler. Karl, known as Grandpa to Landon, Amaya, Eva, Estelle, Henry and one more grandchild on the way, will forever be fondly remembered.
Opa is adored by Benjamin, Adeline, Mica, and Liam. Karl is further survived by his mother Dolores, his brother Gary (Joyce), sister Jean (Elroy) Klug and sister June (friend Elroy) Karnitz. Love you, K.T. To send flowers to the family of Karl H. “K.T.” Terlinden, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
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