Karen M. Esch, age 85 of the Town of Waukechon, passed away peacefully at her home early Friday morning, October 2, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.
Karen was born May 10, 1935 in Marinette, Wisconsin, a daughter of the late Louis and Bernadette (Maudrie) Christopherson. She attended the Marinette Public Schools, graduating from Marinette High School in 1953. Following high school she attended beauty school in Green Bay, and returned to Marinette when her schooling was complete. On August 3, 1957, Karen was united in marriage to James F. Esch at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Marinette. Following their marriage the couple moved to Shawano where Karen raised her family. While her children were in school, she volunteered extensively in all of their extracurricular activities.
Karen was a good and faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano where she served with the Council of Catholic Women for many years. Karen had a very strong faith which was reflected in her children. She was rather artistic, and enjoyed painting, sewing, and crafting. When her children were grown, Karen worked at Masons Flowers and JC Penney. She was a devoted sports fan, especially when it involved the Green Bay Packers or the Marinette – Menominee high school football rivalry. Karen will always be remembered for her affection, and treating everyone as if they were one of her own. Her hugs will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Blessed by her legacy are her three daughters, Michele (Greg) Klusendorf of Dodgeville, WI and their children, Anna (Sam Shilts) of Onalaska and Matthew (Kenzie) Klusendorf of Menasha; Kathy (Greg) Blonde of Waupaca and their daughter, Katherine Blonde of Madison; and Patti (Tom) Barry of DePere and their children Maxwell (Jordan Armstrong) Barry of Cudahy and Brigette Barry, a student at UW LaCrosse; her son, Steve (Wendy) Esch of the Town of Waukechon and their children, Sara (fiancé Jared Beyer) Esch of Shawano, Emma (Ben Brown) Esch of Shawano, Elizabeth Esch, a student at UW LaCrosse, and Clayton James Esch of Shawano; and one great-grandson, Kolby James Klusendorf. Karen is further survived by her brothers, Paul (Bev) Christopherson of Mukwonago, WI and Ralph (Annette) Christopherson of DePere; her sisters-in-law, Jean Esch-Theobald of Madison and Rita Esch of Dodgeville; brothers-in-law, Joe Esch and Pat Esch, both of Dodgeville; her lifelong friend, Katie Bult of Clintonville; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, James, on October 26, 2010; her brother, Louis Christopherson; brother-in-law, Tom Esch; and sisters-in-law, Mary Reese, Mary Esch, and Margaret Esch.
A Funeral Mass for Karen will be celebrated on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. Fr. Charles Hoffman will be the Celebrant. Interment will take place in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetary, Shawano. Visitation will begin on Thursday at 10:00 AM and continue until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers and plants the family prefers memorials be made to Gillette Children Specialty Hospital in Minneapolis, MN in Karen’s name.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the family requires masks be worn while in attendance and social distancing be followed. If you are not comfortable attending, please mail cards to the family in care of Mickelson Funeral Service, PO Box 36, Shawano, WI 54166.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family
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