Karla J. Ronke

    Karla J. Ronke, 58, of Sparta, WI, died Tuesday, April 20, 2021 peacefully at her home. She was born on October 30, 1962 in Beloit, WI to Walter and Phyllis (Paden) Klein.

     Karla attended high school at Big Foot in Walworth, WI where she graduated in 1981. Then she graduated nursing school at WTC in 1994.

     Karla married Garry Ronke on July 30, 1983. She began her nursing career at the Morrow Home in Sparta. In 1994 she began her life-long journey at Tomah (Memorial) Health where she worked in multiple departments throughout her career. She was a First Responder for the Cataract area and was the Lafayette Town Hall Clerk since April 2013. Karla was a kind-hearted soul; a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter who was happiest when she was surrounded by her family and friends. She loved her dachshunds, crafting and collecting snowmen décor.

     She is survived by her husband, Garry Ronke of Sparta; son, Nicholas Ronke (Rebecka Mathews) of Sparta; daughter, Kaitlin Ronke (Chizum Peck) of Fay, OK; mother, Phyllis (George) Staidl of Pinedale, WY; grandchildren, Lillian and expected baby boy; siblings, Al (Jackie) Klein, Jeff (Brenda) Klein, and Nancy Brenner. Along with several brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews and extended family. 

    She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Klein; brothers, Kenny and Billy Klein.

    A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at St. John’s Ev Lutheran Church with Reverend John Meyer officiating. Burial will be in Melrose Cemetery following the luncheon.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and on from 10 a.m. until time of services on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Chasing Daylight, 15560 State Hwy 131, Tomah, WI 54660. 

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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