Karlene "Karla" passed away after a long illness, on March 6, 2026 with her family by her side in San Tan Valley Arizona. She was raised by her grandparents in Saxon Wisconsin. At age 13, she moved to Milwaukee with her mother Ethel and her partner Ben. Her and Vito moved to California where they raised their children in Oak Park/Agoura. They moved to Washington State where she worked for Craftsman Press in Seattle and Reno Nevada for many years. They retired to Bend/Sisters Oregon to be close to their son. She and Vito moved to Arizona with daughter Marge who took on the job as their caregiver before she passed. She loved her family, cooking and the snow as it reminded her of her childhood in Wisconsin. Karlene is survived by her husband of 65 years, Vito Bartolotta, as well as her 3 children Margaret "Marge" Wilson, Julie Mccrillis and Vito Bartolotta. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.