NOTE: All of us at the Midwest Farm Report Network send sincere sympathies to the family members, friends and industry associates that will miss Bob. He was a good personal friend of mine, as we started our careers at approximately the same time. His soft spoken way of working through situations and bringing people together won’t be forgotten. I’m at a loss and will miss my friend.
Pam Jahnke
It is with a deep sadness that we share that Robert (Bob) Clark Karls, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Soybean Program, passed away on April 2, 2022.
Bob was born on August 18, 1969 to Robert and Jean Karls in Binghamton, New York. Bob’s family moved to Waunakee, Wisconsin when he was 16 and has called Wisconsin home ever since. He graduated from Waunakee high school and later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for his undergraduate degree. Following his graduation, he established a family and community of loved ones in Madison, as well as Palm Springs, CA and Saugatuck, MI.
Bob dedicated the entirety of his professional career—over 32 years of service—to the Wisconsin Soybean Program, beginning his tenure as an intern during his undergrad program. Bob worked tirelessly and selflessly as an advocate for farmers both regionally and nationally; at times going as far as Washington D.C. to speak on behalf of Wisconsin farmers. During his time as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Soybean Program, he spearheaded, established, and endorsed countless initiative and research programs that will have a monumental impact on agriculture for generations to come.
The legacy of Bob’s kind spirit, his immense career contributions, and his selfless endeavors will live on through his family, and through the Wisconsin agriculture community. Bob will be missed, but surely not forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Diabetes Association and Agrace Hospice at 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg WI.
