Obituary of Robert John Karlen

Robert John Karlen

1/6/1955 – 8/6/2023

Robert “Bob” Karlen was born on January 6th, 1955, to Arlene Frances Karlen of East St. Paul Minnesota, where he grew up. Bob served in the United States Marine Corps in the Forced Reconnaissance Battalion from 1970 to 1974. During that period, he was stationed at Camp LeJune, in South Carolina. He did his survival training in Okinawa, Japan and was deployed to Viet Nam. He finished his tour and returned home in 1974.

Bob met his former wife Shari in Red Wing, Minnesota in 1977. They were married in June of 1979, in Farmington, Minnesota. In August of 1979 they moved to Pipestone Minnesota. There he earned a degree in Meat Management and Merchandising from Pipestone Vocational & Technical College. In addition, they welcomed their first daughter Melody Joy. After Bobs graduation they moved to Douglas, Wyoming. While there, they welcomed their second daughter Collette Francis, in September of 1981.

In 1982 the family moved to Pueblo, Colorado, there they welcomed two sons Joshua Cash in March of 1984, and Dustin Allen in February of 1985. In 1995, the family made Broomfield, Colorado their home.

There after he pursued his passion for hunting, fishing and cutting meat. Bob LOVED food and would eat anything. But his true passion was his family, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and his German Shepards, Skyler, Titan, Sofie and TJ.

Bob passed away peacefully in his hometown of Firestone, Colorado, surrounded by his closest friends and family on August 6th, 2023.

Bob is survived by his former Wife and Best friend Shari, his four children, Melody (Kenny), Collette (James), Josh (Brianna), Dustin (Josselyn) and his seven grandchildren, who affectionately called him Bampa: Trystin, Dominik, David, Madison, Holly, Brayden and Maci.

There are many memories of Bob with his family and friends. But the one that stands out the most was his unparalleled work ethic, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He continued to work hard and provide for the people he loved until his health prevented him in doing so. Even then the people that knew him best, knew he was always ready to lend a hand, even though he was a little “shorthanded.”

Bobs final wishes are to have his ashes spread with his mothers, in his hunting grounds in Mueller State Park, in Divide, Colorado.