After retiring as an elementary teacher for Watertown Unified School District in Wisconsin, Karl founded a custom electronics company and partnered in a car wash business in his home state. Prior, armed with a degree in industrial electronics, he joined the Navy Reserve and as an Honor Graduate from Fire Control Technician A Class School. He served on the aircraft carrier USS Hancock CVA-19 and deployed to Vietnam for two tours. He holds degrees from University of Wisconsin LaCrosse and Whitewater.

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Karl was a snare drummer and instructor with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps. He also instructed in drums for Wausau Story Drum and Bugle Corp, winning the National Championship for A class corps.

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In 2015 Karl received the Community Leadership Award from The Foundation Assisting Seniors.