Karen M. Esch

Karen M. Esch, 85, of the Town of Waukechon, passed away peacefully at her home early Friday morning, Oct. 2, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Karen was born May 10, 1935, in Marinette, 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 she returned to Marinette when her schooling was complete. On Aug. 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 J.C. 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, Wisconsin, 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-La Crosse; 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-La Crosse, 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, 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 Oct. 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 was celebrated Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. The Rev. Charles Hoffman was the celebrant. Interment took place in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Shawano. Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.