SHAWANO, WI- The Shawano County Sheriff’s Office has identified the 78-year-old man discovered deceased at Lulu Lake on Christmas Day as Karl E. “Butch” Barkow Sr., according to Coroner Brian Westfahl. The cause of death was determined to be drowning.
Concerns arose on December 24 when family members reported Barkow missing around 4:30 p.m. He had gone fishing on Lulu Lake earlier in the day and had not returned home. His vehicle was found near a boat landing, accompanied by ice fishing gear on the lake.
Upon investigation, authorities discovered an open hole in the ice near Barkow’s fishing gear. Rescue and recovery efforts commenced on the same day but were halted due to darkness, resuming early on December 25.
Karl E. “Butch” Barkow Sr., a dedicated member of Walleyes for Tomorrow, was passionate about mentoring children in outdoor activities, particularly fishing. He was also affiliated with various organizations, including the Shawano Masonic Lodge 170, Shawano Fish and Game Club, Shawano Gun Club, N.E.W. Beagle Club, Braw Bluebird Restoration of Wisconsin, and White Clay Lake Sportsman Club.
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