Diana L. (Dani) Karlen

Diana L. Karlen, 85 of Alton, Illinois, formerly of Prairietown, Illinois passed away on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Born July 17, 1932 in New London, Wisconsin, she was a daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Vallabhdas Hargovindas Dani & Fern Melrose (Poehlmann) Dani. She married Rev. John W. Karlen on August 10, 1952 in El Centro, California and he passed away on May 16, 1996.  Mrs. Karlen held various positions at each of the Lutheran Missouri Synod parishes at which her husband ministered, which included most recently St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Prairietown, Illinois from 1977 to 1995.  Prior to that, Pastor & Mrs. Karlen served at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin from 1974 to 1977 – Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Raymondville, Texas from 1973 to 1974 – St. John’s Lutheran Church in Onarga, Illinois from 1960 to 1973 – Emmaus Lutheran Church in Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada from 1956 to 1960 - & Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Golconda, Illinois from 1954 to 1955. Mrs. Karlen attended Concordia River Forest, Illinois in 1950 & 1951, & Concordia Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1975 to 1977, & was certified as a Lay Minister in 1977. After graduating as a Lay Minister, she held more active positions in the Southern Illinois District (SID) of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  She was an Officer in the Zone & District for Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), led Bible Studies at the Illinois Youth Center at Pere Marquette, & was involved with the SID South African Task Force which included two trips to South Africa in 2000 & 2002. She also provided crosses for SID Prison Ministry, quilted lap robes & full-size quilts for world relief, & was an active member of the Red Hat Society. While the life’s work of Diana Karlen focused on Lay Ministry & volunteer work in service to her Lord Jesus Christ, she also taught piano lessons, sang in the Church Choir, & had a passion for gardening.

                She is survived by 5 Children -     Rebekah Karlen, Paul Karlen, Mary Hard, Julia (Carl) Ferre, &

                                                                                Nathan (Linda) Karlen

                                6 Grandchildren -             Aaron Ostrowsky, Gus Ferre, Nels Ferre, Samantha Smith,

                                                                                Franz Ferre, & John Ferre

                                1 Great Grandchild -        Ella Ostrowsky

                                2 Brothers -                        Bruce & Brian Dani

                                2 Step Grandchildren -   Jim Dearduff & Audrey Franco

                                3 Step Great Grandchildren -       Justin Dearduff, Adam Zorescu, & Cathy Franco

                                Numerous Nieces & Nephews also survive. Besides her husband & parents, she was preceded in death by – 2 Sisters -   Gayle Simon & Joann Dani

Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM on Friday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Prairietown, Illinois.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Prairietown, Illinois with Rev. Dale Skeesick officiating. Burial will be held at Prairietown Cemetery in Prairietown. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Prairietown.  The family would like to thank Rev. Dale and the doctors and staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

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