Obituary for Karl W. Haverly

Karl W. Haverly 84, of West Salem passed away on Friday November 27th. He was born January 14th, 1936 to Karl Sr and Mildred (Kirking) Haverly. He graduated from West Salem High School in 1954. Karl was an excellent athlete in high school, playing basketball and baseball. Although his passion was basketball, in 1955 he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as a pitcher on one of their D teams in Georgia. After returning to West Salem, Karl married the love of his life, Arleen Schmidt on January 19 1957 at St. Joseph's Ridge Church. He often referred to her as his “Angel” the past few years taking such good care of him as his health declined. Together they started their family having three children, Cheryl, Jeff and Pam. While raising their family, Karl worked alongside his dad Karl Sr. and mother Mildred at Karl’s Tap in West Salem. He and Arleen eventually took over the business that offered their famous fish, chicken and shrimp dinners on Friday nights. The other thing Karl’s was known for was their Tom & Jerry’s at the holidays that people would come for miles around to enjoy and were made by Karl with his “secret” recipe. It was also a family favorite at Christmas! Karl & Arleen sold the business and Karl then managed La Crosse Pettibone Boat club and then went on to do sheet rocking after that until his father passed away in 1982. He then took over his dad’s bait business which eventually grew into Karl’s Sport Shop which he and Arleen opened on Hwy 16 in 1982 until they sold it in 2003. Karl was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish, earning him the name “Catfish Haverly” and was a great hunter teaching his son, girls and grandsons to hunt and fish. Before his health declined he enjoyed playing a round of golf with friends and also watching it on TV along with other sports. While in business Karl & Arleen sponsored ball teams, trapshooting teams and made many contributions to youth organizations, Friends of Lake Neshonoc, Game Getters, Ducks Unlimited and the West Salem Rod & Gun Club. Karl was actually the one that found the land for the gun club and along with his good friends Harry and Ed, set things into motion with the gun club to purchase the land that became the West Salem Rod & Gun Club and the grounds where it is currently located. Karl retired from the West Salem Volunteer Fire Dept after 25 years. He and Arleen were also one of the founding members of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in West Salem in 1957. Karl had the gift of gab and when he owned the Sportshop, he was always engaged in a conversation with his morning coffee drinkers where they complained, told tall stories and tried to solve the worlds problems. He had many friends some that were life long and included special classmates and friends made through business. He was most proud of his three children and their many accomplishments in their work and personal lives. It brought him joy knowing they were living full happy lives with their families and enjoying life. He loved them and his grandchildren and great grandchildren very much. He may have had a gruff exterior but inside he was a softy with a big heart and would do anything for his family and friends. Karl, a loving husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend that will be missed, but forever in our hearts. Survivors include his loving wife of almost 64 yrs, Arleen, children Cheryl (Brad) Low, Jeff (Terri) Haverly, Pam (Jeff) Kiesling, grandchildren – Kolton Kiesling (fiancé, Jessa Pierce), Ethan and Austin Kiesling, Erika Haverly, Janelle (Daniel) Rice, Samantha Haverly (fiancé, Tyler Vogel), and Christopher (Chelsi) Low. Great grandchildren, Landon, Petyon & Jaelyn Rice, Tyson Woolever, Alex Max ,& Emma O'Crotty and Alaina Low. He is also survived by a brother, Larry (Charlene) Haverly and his brothers and sisters in-law, Francis (Irene) Schmidt, Kenneth (Rose) Schmidt, Sylvia (John) Cullmann, Lyn (Jon) Labus and many nieces and nephews. Karl was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother in-law Frank & Adeline Schmidt, a special uncle Myron & aunt Pearl and great grandson Carter Woolever. Due to Covid restrictions, there will be a private family service and burial at a later date at Neshonoc Cemetary, West Salem. In lieu of flowers, cards may be sent to the family at 840 Mill St. N #15, West Salem WI 54669 and memorials will be made in Karl's name to the West Salem Rod & Gun Club, West Salem Volunteer Fire Dept. and West Salem 1st Reponders. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.