Karen M. Christiansen, a longtime resident of Racine, passed away Friday, April 30, 2021 at Pine Haven Christian Home. She was 81 years old.
Karen was born April 27, 1940 in Sheboygan, the daughter of George and Eunice (nee Lammers) Joosse. She graduated from Oostburg High School in 1958, and went on to study at the Sheboygan County Teachers College, and earned her Bachelors Degree in Education from UW Oshkosh in 1964 and her Master’s Degree from UW Milwaukee in 1970. For over 35 years, she taught elementary education and impacted countless students’ lives at West Oostburg School, Dye Road School (Sheboygan Falls), Oostburg School, Fort Wayne, IN school and Winslow School in Racine.
On December 27, 1975 Karen was united in marriage with Glenn Christiansen in Oostburg. The couple resided in Racine for over 50 years before Glenn’s death in April of 2020.
Karen was a member of Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church in Racine, and formerly of First Reformed Church in Oostburg. The couple were involved in and enjoyed church activities, especially volunteering for various functions. She and Glenn loved time spent at their cottage in Mount Morris and spent many hours on their pontoon boat together. Karen was generous, and a great listener who cherished family get togethers and holidays with loved ones.
Karen is survived by her step-daughter Lora Miller and her family, brother Ronald (Judy) Joosse of Oostburg and brother-in-law Bob Niedermeyer of Racine. She is further survived by her nieces and nephews: Sheri (Andrew) Hafeman, Kathy (Todd) Hilbelink, Scott (Diane) Joosse, Jay (Tami) Joosse, Todd (Maureen) Niedermeyer and Nedd Niedermeyer; great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Glenn and her sister-in-law Fay Niedermeyer.
A Memorial Service celebrating Karen’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 4PM at First Reformed Church, 927 Superior Ave. in Oostburg. The family will receive visitors at the church on Wednesday from 3:00-4:00PM. She will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Racine beside Glenn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Pine Haven Christian Home and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassionate and loving care over the last year.
Wenig Funeral Home – Oostburg is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com for more information or to leave online condolences.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
3:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)
First Reformed Church of Oostburg
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Starts at 4:00 pm (Central time)
First Reformed Church of Oostburg
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