Dennis Lee Karlen, 70, of Byron, MN passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 12, 2024. He was born on August 3, 1953, in Zumbrota, Minnesota to Jacob and Dorothy (Schletty) Karlen. Dennis grew up on a farm between Pine Island and Berne and graduated from Pine Island High School. He also attended ‘Berne Church’ where he noticed a cute redhead, Karren Schuck. They were married at ‘Berne Church’ and celebrated their 50th Anniversary this past March 2nd. They made their family home in Byron, Minnesota.
Dennis was a longtime employee HIMEC in Rochester as an HVAC expert. While at HIMEC, he worked at IBM, Mayo Clinic and other various sites. He also worked as a Transport Officer for the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office since October 2019.
Dennis was a lifelong member of Zwingli United Church of Christ (‘Berne Church’) where he was very active in the Swissfest, Handbells, Wood-fired Pizza Nights and making sure the sound was right for Sunday Worship streaming. He was an all-around handyman from the furnace inside to the beautiful flowers that surround the Swissfest stage. Dennis was very proud of his Swiss heritage and he and Karren made several trips to Switzerland.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Anne Schuck.
He is survived by his wife, Karren; son, Jake (Ashley) Karlen; grandchildren, Millie Joy and Brooks Dennis; daughter, Kallie Karlen. Also survived by brothers, Paul (Susan) Karlen and Russell (Liz) Karlen; sister, Linda (Greg) Johnson; brother-in-law, Ken (Susan) Schuck and sister-in-law, Shari Schuck; cousin, Rand (Pati) Schranz, Colorado; many nieces and nephews. Dennis is also survived by his loyal dog, Leo, and his cherished 1970 GTO Judge.
This kind, sweet, hardworking, loving and loved man will be missed deeply by family and friends.
A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Zwingli United Church of Christ, 23148 County Road 24 West Concord, MN with Reverend Karen Larson officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE in Kasson, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in Berne Cemetery in Berne, MN.
To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55940 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be his memory.
