1945
Karen
2017
Karen Charles
June 18, 1945 — November 9, 2017
Karen (Wiesen) Charles, age 72, passed peacefully on November 9, 2017, at Unity Hospice in Green Bay.
Born June 18, 1945, Karen lived her life as an adoring daughter, caring sister, thoughtful friend, devoted wife, loving mother, and doting grandmother. Karen was born in Moline, IL, daughter of Florence and Herman Wiesen. She married her best friend and life-long love, David Charles, in 1964. Together, Karen and Dave shared many life blessings, including their son, Robert (Kristin) Charles, and daughter, Susan (Dan) Borchardt. Karen reveled in spending time playing games, doing crafts, and lavishing love on her five grandchildren, Amanda, (20), Sara, (17), Maria, (15), Allyson, (13), and Benjamin, (10).
In 1989, with her partner Dave at her side, Karen began her own business. She successfully grew and nurtured KC Freight until her retirement in 2003. She will be remembered for her business smarts and savvy ability to relate to anyone on the other end of the phone line, from hard-working truck drivers to executives. Karen was a beautiful vocalist and pianist who performed in musicals and choirs. She instilled her love of music in her family, always making music a part of gatherings. She loved to play piano with her grandchildren. Karen was an avid gardener who could be found at all hours of the day tending to her forest, lakeshore, and perennial gardens. The Charles home bursts with color and God’s beauty, aided by Karen’s diligent labor of love.
Family and friends will cherish memories of Karen’s zest for life, love of family, and gracious hospitality. At all stages of her life, Karen could be counted on not only to plan the parties, but sing, dance, and laugh through them! She created fun experiences no matter the circumstances. Karen’s family was the center of her very being; she spent her energy ensuring that family felt cared for, included, and cherished. Her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends will treasure memories of holidays and vacations made special by Karen’s added touches – a new game, a delicious, over-the-top, home-cooked spread, a warmly decorated home, and a sparkling boat stocked with snacks, cocktails, and squirt guns. Karen enthusiastically offered all of this with a smile and hug that said, “I’m so glad you are here! Come on in!”
Dave, Rob, and Susan are honoring Karen’s wish not to hold a funeral service or visitation. Instead, the immediate family will hold a private celebration of her life when “grandma’s pool” is warm and the sun is shining. We may go hunting for coffee cups in the woods. Friends and family are asked not to send flowers or gifts; in lieu, the family would enjoy your sharing of any written memories of Karen, which can be offered on the tribute page or e-mailed to Dave.
“We love you Gramma! We’ll have s’mores again in heaven.”
Born June 18, 1945, Karen lived her life as an adoring daughter, caring sister, thoughtful friend, devoted wife, loving mother, and doting grandmother. Karen was born in Moline, IL, daughter of Florence and Herman Wiesen. She married her best friend and life-long love, David Charles, in 1964. Together, Karen and Dave shared many life blessings, including their son, Robert (Kristin) Charles, and daughter, Susan (Dan) Borchardt. Karen reveled in spending time playing games, doing crafts, and lavishing love on her five grandchildren, Amanda, (20), Sara, (17), Maria, (15), Allyson, (13), and Benjamin, (10).
In 1989, with her partner Dave at her side, Karen began her own business. She successfully grew and nurtured KC Freight until her retirement in 2003. She will be remembered for her business smarts and savvy ability to relate to anyone on the other end of the phone line, from hard-working truck drivers to executives. Karen was a beautiful vocalist and pianist who performed in musicals and choirs. She instilled her love of music in her family, always making music a part of gatherings. She loved to play piano with her grandchildren. Karen was an avid gardener who could be found at all hours of the day tending to her forest, lakeshore, and perennial gardens. The Charles home bursts with color and God’s beauty, aided by Karen’s diligent labor of love.
Family and friends will cherish memories of Karen’s zest for life, love of family, and gracious hospitality. At all stages of her life, Karen could be counted on not only to plan the parties, but sing, dance, and laugh through them! She created fun experiences no matter the circumstances. Karen’s family was the center of her very being; she spent her energy ensuring that family felt cared for, included, and cherished. Her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends will treasure memories of holidays and vacations made special by Karen’s added touches – a new game, a delicious, over-the-top, home-cooked spread, a warmly decorated home, and a sparkling boat stocked with snacks, cocktails, and squirt guns. Karen enthusiastically offered all of this with a smile and hug that said, “I’m so glad you are here! Come on in!”
Dave, Rob, and Susan are honoring Karen’s wish not to hold a funeral service or visitation. Instead, the immediate family will hold a private celebration of her life when “grandma’s pool” is warm and the sun is shining. We may go hunting for coffee cups in the woods. Friends and family are asked not to send flowers or gifts; in lieu, the family would enjoy your sharing of any written memories of Karen, which can be offered on the tribute page or e-mailed to Dave.
“We love you Gramma! We’ll have s’mores again in heaven.”
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Karen Charles, please visit our flower store.
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