Karen M. Stoeklen age 56 of Menomonie, died Thursday March 26, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Health System-Red Cedar in Menomonie with her sisters by her side.

Karen was born January 21, 1964 in Menomonie.  She was the daughter of Louis and June (Thorson) Stoeklen and grew up in Menomonie.  Karen attended and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1984.  Karen worked at Indianhead Enterprises for several years.  Karen then went on to work at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in dining services for nine years, until her Rheumatoid Arthritis forced her to retire.

Karen loved to go shopping, (especially for yarn).  She enjoyed knitting, making cards for family and friends, coloring and doing any type of art projects. Karen also loved traveling with her sisters to Door County and Duluth.

Karen is survived by two sisters, Jeanne and Luann Stoeklen both of Menomonie; her dog, Emma; an uncle, Bert (Deanna) Thorson of Menomonie; an aunt, Dottie Stoeklen of Coeur D Alene, ID, several cousins and other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Special thanks to her Doctor (Dr. Mark Deyo-Svendsen), all of the nurses, Physician Assistants and doctors for their compassionate care to Karen and us during this difficult trying times in our country.

Memorial services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday September 9, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. John Mano officiating.  Burial will be in the church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday September 8, at Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie.

Due to Covid-19, masks will be required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

Condolences

1. Bruce and Carol Stoeklen, and family April 4, 2020, at 4:25pm

   God Bless from Colorado.

2. Mary and Larry Stoll April 1, 2020, at 8:58pm

   Sending our sympathies at this time.

3. Marvin Whitman April 1, 2020, at 7:10pm

   Karen Stoeklen was an exceptional person and will be missed. I had the honor of working as one of her supervisors at UW-Stout Residence Dining Service for most of her career there. She was a hard worker and got along so well with so many people in her long career there. In the midst of so many young people working to better themselves in life, she was a shining example of what life can be with a positive attitude. She enjoyed word search books and basket weave art and did both while on breaks from her daily job of pot n’ pan washer - a tough job, but one she did well. She had a funny bone that liked to come out occasionally - like when she would start filling the pan sink with the soap dispenser running until the soap bubbles reached the ceiling! The grin on her face said it all. Blessings to her family.

4. Joe Plouff April 1, 2020, at 8:43am

   The picture of Karen chosen for her obituary is classic. I first met Karen 42 years ago when I became her teacher. The photo shows an enthusiastic worker engaged in her work. Always willing to take responsibility Karen could always be relied upon. But the eyes...They certainly show the caring, friendly, courteous person she was. Please know my prayers are offered.

5. Amy Quilling March 31, 2020, at 7:33pm

    

6. Ric & Mary Sailer March 31, 2020, at 4:30pm

   So, sorry to hear about Karen, she was a go getter!!! Lucky to have her 2 Special Sisters, Jeanne & Luann - thoughts & prayers with you!!

7. Virginia Wolske March 31, 2020, at 12:32pm

   We are so sorry for the loss of Karen. Will never forget her!
   God bless
   David and Ginny Wolske

8. Paula & Allen Noll March 31, 2020, at 10:48am

   Dear Jeanne and LuAnn our hearts go out to you during this difficult and challenging time. Karen always had such a wonderful smile when we saw her. Al always enjoyed the cookies you girls made. I am sending you prayers of strength for today and happy memories for many tomorrows.

9. Sara Schmidt March 31, 2020, at 7:35am

   Karen was such a dear sweet soul. I had the honor of taking care of her at the Neighbor's of Dunn County for a short period of time. She brightened my day everytime I saw her ❤ RIP sweet angel!

10. Lynn Verdieck March 31, 2020, at 12:33am

    So sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing Karen in church . A sweet soul who had a special bond with our Ann.

11. Dawn Steinmeyer March 30, 2020, at 9:19pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about Karen. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

12. Dorothy Shannon March 30, 2020, at 4:13pm

    Sorry to hear of her loss
    I worked with her long time ago always had a smile

13. KImberley Dicks March 30, 2020, at 2:57pm

    Luann and Jeanne, My sympathy to both of you.

14. Tammy Wolf March 30, 2020, at 1:49pm

    Jeannie - So very sorry for your family in the passing of your sister. Keep her alive through your wonderful memories of her life.

15. Roger and Nancy Steinmeyer March 30, 2020, at 1:15pm

    Jeannie and Luann you have our deepest sympathy in the loss of Karen. As you know and I know she knew she was a very favorite client and friend of mine. I will miss all the homemade cards I received from her through out the years. She was always so caring, especially about Roger. She will be greatly missed.

16. Dennis & Marilyn Fedderly March 30, 2020, at 11:26am

    Jeanne & Luanne our Thoughts & Prayers are with you both in the loss of your Sister Karen!

17. Jackie Sailer March 30, 2020, at 7:33am

    Luann and Jeanne,
    Thinking of you during this difficult time.

18. Deb Sinz March 29, 2020, at 7:23pm

    Jeanne: So sorry to hear of Karen's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The good lord will be with you along the way.

19. Kim Jensen March 29, 2020, at 3:51pm

    So sorry to hear this Luann! My sympathies to your family !!! May you feel Gods comfort in this time of loss .

20. Peggy Richartz March 29, 2020, at 12:09pm

    My heart goes out to you LuAnn and your sister. Treasure all the great memories with Karen. May God give you strength during this sad time.

21. Lois (Stoeklen) Miller March 29, 2020, at 4:46am

    I have such fond memories of us girls as young children. Karen and I were the same age. I am so so sorry for your loss Jeannie and Luann. God bless, your cousin Lois

22. Steve Lecheler March 28, 2020, at 9:13pm

    Sorry for your loss. Karen will enjoy seeing Louie and June again. I miss playing on the farm with you guys when we were little.

23. DorothyShannon March 28, 2020, at 7:39pm

    Sorry to hear about here worked with her at stout

24. Jo Hayes March 28, 2020, at 7:26pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Karen was so sweet and kind. She was lucky to have such awesome sisters.
    You guys are in my prayers and thoughts.
    Love you❤️
    Jo

25. Dave and Sue Halama March 28, 2020, at 7:24pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

26. Bonnie Steiner March 28, 2020, at 7:11pm

    Dear Luann and Jeanne, I was so sad to hear about Karen. My heart is broken for you. Please know that you are in my prayers. Love to your family.

27. Amy Corr March 28, 2020, at 7:00pm

    My heart hurts for you both, Jeanne and Luann. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for you.

28. Dawn McDonald March 28, 2020, at 5:25pm

    Making hot cross buns for Karen every year will always hold a wonderful memory for us. She is celebrating Easter in heaven this year!

29. Jean Price March 28, 2020, at 4:53pm

    So sorry to hear of Karen's passing. Jeanne and Luann--you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

30. Karen Kundy March 28, 2020, at 4:26pm

    Jeanne
    My thoughts and prayers go out to you in this time of loss.

31. Karen Ford March 28, 2020, at 3:59pm

    Luann and Jeanne, So sorry to hear of Karen's passing. I'll miss her sitting in front of us at church.

32. Jean Rhoades March 28, 2020, at 12:50pm

    Dear Luann and Jeanne, You are in my prayers! Isaiah 12:2

    “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”

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