Obituary
Karen Jean Powers
Karen Powers of LaCrosse, WI (previously Louisville, GA), passed away peacefully on October 29, 2019 at the age of 83, with her family at her side.
She is survived by her husband, Larry Powers of LaCrosse, WI, her children Julie Wilkes of Onalaska, WI, Jeanne (Ronald) Blaettner of Clearwater, FL, Kurt (Julie) Panke of Madison, WI and Chris (Kellye) Panke of Evans, GA. Also, her grandchildren Jonathon, Nathan, Cameron, Carissa, Cody, Katie & McKinley as well as her brothers Tony (Mary Anne) Borseth of Green Bay, WI, Jerry (Marcia) Borseth of Madison, WI and Bruce Borseth of Tomah, WI. Her step children Danny Powers of Wausau, WI, Debbie (Chris) Pretasky of Onalaska, WI and step grandchildren Lisa, Angie, Becky and Joseph.
She was preceded in death by her former husband of 31 years, LeRoy “Butch” Panke and her sister Kay Hess of Waukesha, WI.
Karen was born and raised in LaCrosse, WI and received her nursing degree through St Francis School of Nursing in LaCrosse in 1954. She spent the rest of her life loving and serving her family, friends, community and countless others. She spent the majority of her career at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA. Upon her retirement Karen reconnected with, and subsequently married, her high school sweetheart, Larry Powers and they shared 23 wonderful years together. Karen was the spirit of Christmas all year round to everyone she came in contact with whether infant or elder. One special memory of her loving nature is that every time she heard an ambulance or helicopter transporting an ill patient, she would stop what she was doing and say a prayer for that person. She had an amazing ability to make every person feel as though they were the most important person she had ever met.
She will be dearly missed by so many but will remain forever in our hearts.
Visitation will be held at Holy Trinity church in LaCrosse, WI on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 9:30 am followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital would be appreciated.
Larry: Mary and I (Chuck) Hosler are so sorry for Karen’s recent suffering, and for your loss. We hope you can eventually find comfort among your family and friends. If we can be of any help, here at Eagle Crest South, please let us know.
Our prayers and deepest sympathy to all of you. Karen will be missed.
Dear Family, I am so sad for your loss. ( Our loss )
I will always remember when Karen and Larry visited me in Colorado. I showed them everything. She actually made me photo album of our journey, which I still have. When she died, I got it out to remember the fun we had.
Please accept my condolences. I loved ♥️ her too.
Patrick Powers – Denver