Karl von Almen, 97, Hernando, died Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, in Lecanto. Born Dec. 6, 1909, in Waupaca, Wis., to the late Simon and Louise M. (Kaiser) von Almen, he came to this area 20 years ago from New Port Richey.

Mr. von Almen was a farmer. He earned his bachelor's degree in Agriculture at the University of Illinois. He was an Army Air Corps veteran serving as an aircraft mechanic in the E.T.O. during World War II.He enjoyed grafting plants, especially his day lilies.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Slater von Almen; and a nephew, Steve Monroe.

Survivors include two nephews, Robert Bullard and wife Belinda of Richland, Mich., and Doug Monroe and wife Priscilla of Mission Viejo, Calif.; six grandnieces; one grandnephew; and one great-grandnephew.

Citrus County Chronicle (Crystal River, Fl) ~ November 15, 2007