Gladys Irene Karl

Gladys Irene (Pigott) Ludwig Karl, age 100, of Neillsville, passed away on April 17, 2026, while residing at Country Terrace Assisted Living in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

Gladys was born on July 19, 1925, to Harley and Bernice (Downer) Pigott. She grew up on the family farm in York Township, Clark County, Wisconsin, where one of her daily chores before school was harnessing the horses.

She graduated from Granton High School in 1942. Following graduation, Gladys moved to Milwaukee to live and work near one of her sisters. It was there that she met Joseph Francis Ludwig, whom she later married. She eventually returned to Neillsville, where she later married Arnold Ervin Karl.

While living west and south of Neillsville, Gladys worked in housekeeping at Neillsville Memorial Hospital and later at the Winnebago Children's Home, where she eventually became a house mother. She was known for her strong work ethic, kindness, and steady presence in the lives of the children she cared for.

After Arnold's passing, Gladys sold the family farm and moved into town. When her memory began to fade, she moved into assisted living in Neillsville, then to memory care in Eau Claire, and later to Black River Falls.

Gladys loved the outdoors and was never afraid of hard work, even helping Arnold shingle barn roofs. She will also be fondly remembered for the beautiful quilts she lovingly made and gave to family members. On the lighter side, she knew the value of empty Cool Whip and five-quart ice cream containers. Her mind and wit remained sharp, even as her memories faded.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Lillian, Emma "Ann," Ada, Donna, Zelda, Edith, and Bonnie; her brothers, James, Harland, and Harold; her son, Darell Lee Ludwig; her first husband, Joseph Francis Ludwig; and her second husband, Arnold Ervin Karl.

Gladys is survived by two sisters, Rosalie Hamburg and Doris Gardner; her children, Judith Sterba, Alan (Christina) Ludwig, Carol Schrader, Walter (Cheryl) Karl; and a large and loving family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

In total, Gladys leaves behind four children, nine grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and eleven great-great-grandchildren.

Gladys will be remembered for her resilience, strength, devotion to family, deep capacity for care, and lifelong willingness to roll up her sleeves and get to work. Her legacy lives on in the generations who follow her.

A Memorial Service for Gladys will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Pine Valley - Zion Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Bob Garbisch will officiate. Music will be provided by Jan Simonson, organist. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 23rd at the church.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Gladys' family with Funeral arrangements.