Karen Larson

Karen Larson, age 70, of Baldwin, Wisconsin died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at her home.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Woodside Place Chapel, rural Baldwin..
Visitation for Karen will be on Monday from 4-8 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley and 1 hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Karen was born December 14, 1943, the daughter of Clifton and Evelyn (Bennett) Van Riper at Elmwood, Wisconsin.  She grew up near Waverly and attended Spring Valley Schools graduating with the Class of 1962.  During High School, she worked at Crystal Cave in Spring Valley.  She continued her education in St. Paul where she attended beautician school.  While in St. Paul, she worked at the front desk at the St. Paul Hotel.
Karen was married to Leslie Larson on August 8, 1964 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Spring Valley.  They lovingly celebrated 49 years of marriage.  Karen and Les lived and farmed near Baldwin their entire life together.  Karen also worked part time as a beautician at the Baldwin Care Center until the mid-1970's.
As a farmer, Karen was very devoted.  She was actively involved in all areas of farming and truly enjoyed working with and caring for the dairy cows, calves, pigs and any other critter that may find its way onto the farm.  She was always happy to share her wisdom and knowledge of farming with anyone who asked.  After retiring from farming, she enjoyed raising chickens and selling her farm fresh eggs.
Karen's grandchildren were the love of her life.  Karen would take each of them, individually, for 'Grandma Day.'  She would spend the day shopping, going to lunch, and then have a sleep over.  They recently spent a 'Super Grandma Day' together where Karen and all her grandchildren living nearby were able to spend the day together.  She was an avid fan of NASCAR, football and online casino games.  A trip now and then to a local casino was a favorite pastime.
Preceding her in death were her father; brother Bill Van Riper; granddaughter Christine Larson; brothers-in-law Steven Larson and David Wolslegel; and sister-in-law Julie Lorentz.
Survivors include her husband Les of Baldwin; 1 son and 2 daughters:  Richard (Joan) Larson of Baldwin; Lisa (Tom) Meister of Menomonie; and Sally (Richard) Raushendorfer of Johnstown, Colorado; 6 grandchildren: Rachel and Kyle Larson; Brooke and Donavan Meister; and Tyler and Brandon Rauschendorfer; 1 great grandson Ashton Pulido; her mother Evelyn Van Riper of Woodville; brother Larry Van Riper of Woodville; sister Cindy (Scott) Gordon of Phoenix, AZ; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Patricia Van Riper of Eau Claire; Karen Wolslegel; Joyce (Jerome) Del Pino; Gary (Diane Johnson) Larson; and Kevin (Barbara) Larson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She will also be greatly missed by her four-legged children, Lucky the dog and Precious her cat.
Memorial funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Woodside Place Chapel, rural Baldwin with Rev. Douglas Brandt, who was Karen's High School classmate, officiating.  Burial was in Peace Lutheran Cemetery, rural Baldwin.
Honorary bearers were Karen's grandchildren: Rachel, Kyle, Brooke, Donavan, Tyler and Brandon.