OBITUARY Richard S. Karlen June 18, 1936 – October 31, 2018 Play Tribute Movie Richard Stephen Karlen, born in ST. Paul, Minnesota, June 18, 1936 at Great Northen Hospital. He is the son of Mary Helen Cunningham (Fike) and Walter H. Karlen, and stepson of Arthur R. Fike.
All are deceased. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Patricia Dannenfelser Karlen;children, John Richard (Suzanne), Robert Patrick (Holly); grandson, Walter Chikara; granddaughter, Lily-Jane; brother, Brand Fike (Pat), and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son, William Stephen; daughter-in-law, Mayumi Isa Karlen, and sister, Dorothy Zechmeister.
Mr. and Mrs. Karlen got married at First Methodist Church, Murray, KY on May 10, 1958. He graduated Harding High School, St. Paul, MN, June 1955. Attended Murray State College, Murray, KY, 1958-1960; Bellarmine College, Louisville, KY; Indiana University SE, New Albany, Indiana.
Graduated University of Louisville, B.A. in History, 1968. Attended Business classes at the University of Louisville and real estate courses at Jefferson Community College. Mr. Karlen served in the U.S. Army 1955-1958 in the 5th Armored Division, 82nd Airborne Division, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team; Troop B (Recon) 17th Cavalry, and 101st Airborne Division; July 1955-May 1958.
He was awarded Parachutist Wings and Pathfinder Badge. He retired from Louisville Gas and Electric Co. July 1, 1997 after 36 years of service starting on August 10, 1961. Began as an Electrician Helper, advanced to several managerial positions and retired as an Account Executive.
He was currently employed by the Independent Electrical Contractors Association of Kentucky and Southern Indiana as their Marketing Director in January 1998 until present date. He was a member of Grace Immanuel United Church of Christ, Louisville, KY. Previous member of Zion UCC, Louisville, KY for 44 years as a Deacon, Elder, served on Church council, past council president, chairman of the Memorial and Endowment and Administration Committees.
He was associated with Electrical Clearing House of Louisville, Inc. –President 1990-91 and 2005-2010. Secretary 1962-1972, Member Board of Directors 1962 to present. Kentucky Chapter, Western Section, International Association of Electrical Inspectors- Secretary 1962-1972.
Member Board of Directors 1962 to present. City of Louisville and Jefferson County Boards Of Electrical Control- Secretary and Board of Director member 1982-2010. Former member of the American Marketing Association, Louisville Chapter; Advertising Club of Louisville; City of Louisville Fire Prevention Council; Environmental Alternatives; Citizens Energy Council; Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA); and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
Expressions of Sympathy can be made to Hosparus of Louisville or Grace Immanuel United Church of Christ. All services will be held at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home, 4400 Bardstown Rd. Louisville, KY 40218.
Visitation will be Monday Nov, 5 from 10-2 with the memorial service at 2, and the burial to follow.
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