Obituary for Karen Rolfs (Sprague)
Karen Rolfs, age 86, is at peace and returned to Walter’s side on March 25th. Walter preceded Karen’s passing and has been waiting patiently for her to join him with the Lord in heaven. Karen and Walter were deeply in love and married for 62 years before Walter’s passing. Karen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother (gramma), great-gramma, sister, sister-in-law and friend to many. A role model for all, she cared so deeply for everyone and everything.
Karen was born in Milwaukee, WI, but her family soon moved to Greendale, WI, where she was one of Greendale’s original residents. Karen was the oldest sibling with four younger brothers. She met Walter in Toppers Club where they loved dancing and the camaraderie of life-long friends. After a short relocation to Fridley, MN, Karen and Walter returned to Greendale to raise their four daughters and to be close to family.
Karen prioritized the loved ones in her life and always welcomed family members and friends with kindness, open arms and warm hugs. Karen loved to gather around the table to share stories, laugh and play games. Whether an afternoon of bridge with her friends, an evening playing cribbage with her daughters or a beloved game of checkers or dominos with her grandchildren, Karen brought joy and showed compassion to those around her. No evening ended with her grandchildren without lots of hugs, kisses and candy kisses!
God’s gift of seasons and nature brought great joy to Karen. Whether she was watching a game of tag with squirrels, listening to a chorus of birds or petting a 4-legged friend, she was happy. The paintbrush of God in the sunsets, autumn leaves, rainbows, snowflakes, and infinite beauty in His flowers were greatly appreciated.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Rolfs. She is survived by four daughters, Kathy Adkins, (Terry), Kristi Osiecki, (John), Julie Anderson, (Patrick), and Jennifer Poweleit, (Dale); seven grandchildren, Ryan Osiecki, (Sara), Brittany Reininger (Chris), Rachel Thompson (Andrew), Brandi Bahlmann (Ryan), Tony Adkins (Bea), Samantha Poweleit and Zachary Poweleit and one great grandchild, Leo Thompson. Karen has four brothers, Dick Sprague, (Gleni), Jim Sprague, (Brenda), John Sprague, (Judy) and Bill Sprague, (Marti) and sister-in-law, Dolores Casey.
Karen looked at each day as a blessing. She was kind, gentle, forgiving and always looked for the best in people. In lieu of flowers, please pass on Karen’s legacy by showing a random act of kindness to spread joy and bring a smile to someone else’s face. Think of Karen as you feel the power of positivity in which our mom displayed every day of her earthly life.
On Saturday, April 16th, a private service with immediate family will be held at Hartson’s Funeral Home to celebrate Karen’s life.
Karen was born in Milwaukee, WI, but her family soon moved to Greendale, WI, where she was one of Greendale’s original residents. Karen was the oldest sibling with four younger brothers. She met Walter in Toppers Club where they loved dancing and the camaraderie of life-long friends. After a short relocation to Fridley, MN, Karen and Walter returned to Greendale to raise their four daughters and to be close to family.
Karen prioritized the loved ones in her life and always welcomed family members and friends with kindness, open arms and warm hugs. Karen loved to gather around the table to share stories, laugh and play games. Whether an afternoon of bridge with her friends, an evening playing cribbage with her daughters or a beloved game of checkers or dominos with her grandchildren, Karen brought joy and showed compassion to those around her. No evening ended with her grandchildren without lots of hugs, kisses and candy kisses!
God’s gift of seasons and nature brought great joy to Karen. Whether she was watching a game of tag with squirrels, listening to a chorus of birds or petting a 4-legged friend, she was happy. The paintbrush of God in the sunsets, autumn leaves, rainbows, snowflakes, and infinite beauty in His flowers were greatly appreciated.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Rolfs. She is survived by four daughters, Kathy Adkins, (Terry), Kristi Osiecki, (John), Julie Anderson, (Patrick), and Jennifer Poweleit, (Dale); seven grandchildren, Ryan Osiecki, (Sara), Brittany Reininger (Chris), Rachel Thompson (Andrew), Brandi Bahlmann (Ryan), Tony Adkins (Bea), Samantha Poweleit and Zachary Poweleit and one great grandchild, Leo Thompson. Karen has four brothers, Dick Sprague, (Gleni), Jim Sprague, (Brenda), John Sprague, (Judy) and Bill Sprague, (Marti) and sister-in-law, Dolores Casey.
Karen looked at each day as a blessing. She was kind, gentle, forgiving and always looked for the best in people. In lieu of flowers, please pass on Karen’s legacy by showing a random act of kindness to spread joy and bring a smile to someone else’s face. Think of Karen as you feel the power of positivity in which our mom displayed every day of her earthly life.
On Saturday, April 16th, a private service with immediate family will be held at Hartson’s Funeral Home to celebrate Karen’s life.