Karl Block

Karl (with a "K") was born August 4th 1937, the son of the late Norman and Hazel (Salzsieder) Block, in the town of Easton. He was raised on the family farm, learning the skills and values that shaped him into the hardworking, dedicated family man that all came to know and love. On May 14th 1966, he was united in marriage to Kay Zahrt, at St. John's Lutheran Church, in the town of Easton. They shared 46 years together and raised three children, making many memories along the way.

For 31 years, Karl proudly served as a firefighter for the city of Wausau. He retired in January 1995, as Lieutenant. He was instrumental in establishing the EMT program in the city of Wausau, the first in the state of Wisconsin. One of Karl's legacies was wearing the 003 EMT badge.

There are so many things that Karl enjoyed doing with his time. He served on the board of directors at the Cloverbelt Coop and Town Mutual of Wausau; was the curator at I.S. Horgan Antique Farm Museum from 1990-2011; and volunteered at the Marathon County Historical Society. Karl was a faithful member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church since 1970, and lived out his faith by worshiping with Kay at weekly services. He participated in Bible studies and lay ministry; served on various church boards; ushered; and travelled to St. Lucia and Tijuana on mission trips.

Karl was a true outdoorsman and loved to hunt, fish, and camp with family and friends. He was always content when he could be in his woods in the towns of Easton and Texas. Most important to Karl was attending his grandchildren's activities and supporting them as only a proud Papa could.

Karl Leon Block went to be at home with our Lord on March 6th 2013. He was 75 years old.

Karl's greatest legacy is the family he leaves behind, including his beloved wife, Kay; three children, Randy (Deb) Block, Wausau, Diana Witt-Block, Loves Park, IL, and Tim (Tami) Block, Hartford, WI; six grandchildren, Logan and Matthew Block, Brycen and Kaeden Witt, and Abbigail and Carter Block; a sister, Rosy Roloff, Schofield; four sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Clark) Zunker, Kronenwetter, Sharon (DuWayne) Hackbarth, Ringle, Cindy (Mike) Punke, Athens, and Rose (Clyde) Radant, Kronenwetter; other family members; and countless friends and colleagues.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Lloyd Roloff.

A service of thanksgiving and praise for Karl's life will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 9th, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Wausau. Family will receive guests Friday, March 8th, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; and again on Saturday, at church, from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Mark's Lutheran Church, the Alzheimer's Association, or the I.S. Horgan Antique Farm Museum.

A special thank you to the staff at North Central Health Care - Lakeview Heights Unit, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, and all who supported Karl and our family.