Call (608) 788-2188

Obituary

Karen Engh (Hanson) Zielke

February 13, 2017 | 3 comments

Karen Engh (Hanson) Zielke age 86, passed away at Gundersen Health System on February 12 2017.

 

Karen Elaine Engh was born on November 19, 1930, and grew up on a farm on Pumpkin Ridge near Chaseburg, WI. She graduated from Westby High School in 1948, where she was active in several singing groups. On July 26, 1952, Karen married Robert E. Hanson. Karen and Bob had five children: Rhonda, Kevin, Bradley, Phillip, and Ronald. Bob passed away in 1981.

 

On October 24, 1987, Karen married Walter (Sonny) Zielke, and Jim, Steve, and the large Zielke family were brought into her life. Karen and Sonny enjoyed traveling in their beloved motor home spending winters in Arizona and Florida.

 

Karen was employed by the School District of La Crosse from 1974 through 1987. She was a lifelong member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, which she joined before the first church was built in the late 1950’s. Karen sang in the church choir for many years.

 

Karen was ever popular for her prowess in cooking and baking. Each Christmas, Karen baked her specialty Norwegian cookies. Karen spent her life taking care of others, making sure that everyone she loved had everything they needed. She remembered everyone’s birthday, and always sent cards and made a phone call.

 

She is survived by one brother Richard Engh, five children: Rhonda (Ed) Staats, Kevin (Lily), Bradley (June), Phillip, and Ronald (Evelyn)Hanson; two stepsons: Jim and Steve (Joan) Zielke; and grandchildren: Alexander, Christopher, and Jonathan Staats, Rebecca Giroux, Kimberly Sellers, Katie Hanson, Jason, Tara, and Chloe Zielke, and Alex and Angie Lozano. Karen was the proud great-grandmother of: Harper, Kellen, Elliot, Cobie, Steve, and Zoey. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, three brothers, and husbands Robert E. Hanson and Walter (Sonny) Zielke.

 

Services to celebrate Karen’s life will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2017, 11:00 AM, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, the Reverend Harold Bringsjord presiding. Friends may call at the church one hour before the service, followed by a luncheon.

Condolences

3 Comments

  1. Lisa Parshall

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences to the family.

  2. Richard and MaryLou Putskey

    Our Prayers are with Karen’s family. Had so many get memories.

  3. Kathy Maney

    You were a wonderful teacher. I will never forget you and all you taught me.

Let's Celebrate Life Together

Call or send a message using the buttons below...
Call (608) 788-2188Send a Message