Walter Edward Karst

Walter Edward Karst of Madison passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. He had a wonderful life.

He was born to Walter and Alice Karst on Aug. 24, 1934.

He married Barbara Adrian on June 13, 1959, and had two sons, Craig and James.

A graduate of Wauwatosa High School and Lawrence University, Walter received his master’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin.

He taught in Edgerton, Wis., and for many years taught history in Port Washington, Wis. During this time, he coached tennis, established the ski club, became involved in city government for eight years as a member of the city Plan Commission, was a participant in the teachers union as a member and president and was one of the founders of St. Simon the Fisherman Episcopal Church in Port Washington.

Upon his retirement, he and Barbara moved to Madison, where he became further involved with Lawrence University as a member of the Lawrence LUAA Board of Directors, organizing and heading up reunions for his class.

In addition, Walter audited classes at the university and indulged in supporting and watching sports activities of the university. He became involved in the Optimist Club, and with friends attended lectures at the university.

He followed the Green Bay Packers and spent summers at his cabin in St. Germain, Wis.

Retirement provided an option for his favorite activity of skiing and traveling. He and Barbara traveled extensively throughout Europe, and he was happy to return to Scotland, where he had taught American history. Colorado and Utah were favorite skiing venues, and he enjoyed skiing with his friend Marty Degman at Devil’s Head in his late 1980s.

Walter is survived by his wife Barbara; son James (Lisa) of Franklin, Tenn.; sister Kathleen (Roger) Larson of McAllen, Texas; granddaughter Victoria (Daniel); great-grandson Adrian; and special nephews and nieces Scott, Eric, Alison, Christine, James, Todd and Tim.

He was preceded in death by his son, Craig, whose death by pneumonia caused great heartache.

A memorial service will be held at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 6205 University Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the service on Saturday.

Walter always felt life was good and enjoyed it to the fullest: marriage, family, religion, friends, reading, nature and sports. He had a wonderful life!

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761