Karen Kay Wilson

Karen K. Wilson, age 83, of Holmen, Wisconsin, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Bluffview Memory Care in Holmen, Wisconsin.

Karen was born on May 22, 1941, at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin, Minnesota. She grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1959. Following high school, Karen pursued her passion for caring for others by attending the Swedish Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, graduating in 1962.

On November 17, 1962, Karen married the love of her life, Larry Wilson. Their union would span 61 beautiful years, filled with love, family, and shared experiences.

Throughout her life, Karen's deep love for Jesus was the foundation of her faith and guided her actions. This devotion was evident in her compassionate care for others and her active involvement in church communities.

Karen's dedication to nursing led to a remarkable 37-year career in the field. Her compassion and care for others extended beyond her professional life, as she was deeply involved in church activities and missions in Mexico and Guatemala. She was an active member of various churches throughout her life, including Austin Methodist Church, Austin Vineyard, Albert Lea Vineyard, and Northside Community Church in La Crosse.

After retiring from nursing, Karen's drive to help others continued as she worked for Hill-Larson Accounting Firm for many years, assisting with tax preparation. She also served as President of Mrs. Jaycees for multiple years, creating many happy memories during her time with the organization.

Karen had a creative spirit and loved crafting. She enjoyed cross-stitching, quilting, making Christmas ornaments, and carrying on the tradition of Norwegian baking with her family. These activities brought her joy and allowed her to share her love with others through handmade gifts and delicious treats.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Louis Schuster; mother, Sylvia (Prestegaard) Schuster; older sister, Marilyn; and sister-in-law, Deb Schuster.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Larry Wilson; her sons, Wade Wilson (wife Lynne) and Troy Wilson (wife Ann); 8 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Karen is also survived by her siblings: Mike Schuster, Judy Reshetar (husband Harry), and Darlene Rickle (husband Bob). Her legacy of love and care will live on through her family and the countless lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be sent to the OASIS Respite Program. This program provides caregivers with much-needed respite while their loved ones enjoy socialization, education, and fun activities. OASIS serves Coulee Region individuals in the beginning to mid-stages of a dementia diagnosis.

Gifts can be mailed to:

OASIS Respite Program

c/o Causeway Caregivers

4141 Mormon Coulee Road

La Crosse, WI 54601

Karen's life was a testament to the power of compassion, dedication, and love. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.