Bio
Department Commander Karl Stuvengen
Karl Stuvengen was born in San Francisco, California and raised in Orfordville, Wisconsin. He graduated from Orfordville Parkview High School in May 1977. In December 1976, prior to his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and reported to basic training at Great Lakes, IL in July 1977.
He served aboard the USS Mount Vernon (LSD-39) as an Electrician’s Mate until his discharge in 1982. In response to the September 11th terrorist attacks, he rejoined the Navy Reserve and was subsequently mobilized 3 times to Japan, Iraq and Kuwait, with the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, where he qualified as an Expeditionary Warfare Specialist and Assault Boat Coxswain. He retired from the Navy on April 1, 2018 as a Command Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8).
During his time out of the Navy, he used the GI Bill to attend college and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
He was employed in the private sector for many years in the propane, waste management and manufacturing industries as an electrician. He was also an electrical contractor for several years. He retired as the Director of Public Works in Orfordville in August 2019.
He is a 33-year, Paid Up For Life member of Wells – Davis – Young – Neal Post 209 in Orfordville, where he has served as Commander, Finance Officer and currently as Judge Advocate. He has served The American Legion on the local, county, district, state and national levels. In July of 2023 he was elected Commander of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin at the 104th Department Convention in Wausau. He also currently serves as the Rock County Council Adjutant. He is a 45- year member of the Sons of The American Legion and Rock County Voiture 844, 40 et 8, and is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and the Fleet Reserve Association.
Karl lives in Orfordville and is married to the former Debi Erbs and together they have 7 children and 5 grandchildren, all members of The American Legion Family. His son Kristoffer is currently on active duty with the Navy and is to date, the only 4th generation member of Post 209.