Deacon Karl L. Wadman, Sr., 81, of Rockland, was called home to his Lord on June 29, 2011 at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital.

He was born on August 27, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois, to parents George Sr. and Zelda (Sherman) Wadman. On May 29, 1949, he married Margaret Joyce Roberts in Maywood, Illinois. Karl served his country the United States Navy from 1949-1954 and was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station.

Karl worked at the White Pine Copper Mine, was an orderly at the White Pine hospital, and also worked as a bus driver and custodian at Ontonagon Area High School until his retirement. After retiring, he worked part-time as a desk clerk at the Ontonagon Sheriff's Department. Karl was also an EMT, and was one of the first licensed EMTs in the State of Michigan. He was also one of the first licensed EMT instructors in Michigan.

On June 14, 1996, Karl was ordained as a deacon in Marquette, Michigan. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and the Rockland Fire Department. He also enjoyed fishing.

Karl was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his parents; and a brother, Gary.

He is survived by his children, Karl Jr., Margaret, Debra, Mike, Mark, Mary, Tom and Dawn; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brothers, George and Harold; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved cats, Kojak and Sweetie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 5 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ontonagon. Visitation will take place Sunday, July 3 from 5 p.m.-8p.m. at the Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon, with Rosary service beginning at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be held from 10 a.m. a