Karen Schmidt

Karen Margaret (Andersen) Schmidt, age 68, of Plymouth, WI and Gilbert, AZ passed away peacefully on Saturday,
December 19, 2020 at Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center. She bravely and strongly fought her battle
with cancer for almost 7 years, and the entire time never complained and continued to fight until the end.
Karen was born September 20, 1952 in Menominee, MI, the daughter of the late James and Patricia Andersen of
Marinette, WI. Karen attended Marinette Catholic High School, graduating in 1971. She attended the University of
Wisconsin-Marinette and then transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she graduated in 1975
with a BS degree in Communication Disorders. She then attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where
she graduated in 1977 with MS Degree in Speech Pathology.
Karen and her husband, Fred Schmidt, were married on August 14, 1976 in Beloit, WI and were able to spend over
44 years together thoroughly enjoying their time together.
Karen had a deep passion for her career in which she assisted children improving their language and being able to
communicate clearly. She spent over 40 years working in school districts at the elementary school level. She
started her career at the Wisconsin School for the Visually Impaired in Janesville, WI. She also worked in school
districts in Beloit, WI, Harvard, IL, Janesville, WI, Manitowoc, WI, and closed her career in the Elkhart Lake-
Glenbeulah elementary school in 2013.
After retirement she volunteered at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert, AZ and developed many friendships
as a result.
Karen was truly the rock of her family, and they owe their success to her guidance and support. Her laugh could
bring joy to any setting, and she had a sincere interest in others and their “stories”. She was an avid Wisconsin
Badger (who loved to sing Varsity) and Green Bay Packer fan.
Karen cherished her family, and loved to have family time at her two favorite places, Vintage and The Paddock Club
(chicken parm) in Elkhart Lake, WI.
She is survived by her husband Fred, her daughter Krista (Daniel) Stalewski of Milwaukee, WI and her son Ryan
(Megan) Schmidt of Plymouth, WI. She is also survived by her brother Jeffrey (Debbora) Andersen of Brown Deer,
WI and their children Dana (Caleb) Kopczyk and Alissa (fiancé Ben) Andersen. Karen received loving and
tremendous support from her niece Angela (Craig) Caliger of Newport Beach, CA and nephew Adam (Lisa)
Zoellner of Austin, TX.
She was proceeded in death by her parents and her best friend, mentor, and sister-in-law Barbara Maschka.
Family and friends may visit with Karen’s family at the Suchon Funeral Home 1317 State Road 67 in Plymouth, WI
on Saturday, January 9, 2021 from Noon-2 pm. A private service will be held for immediate family and invited
guests. The service will be streamed and available to watch on the Suchon Funeral Home Facebook Page.
In lieu of flowers, any contributions to the family will be given to the Sheboygan County Palliative Care
Organization to further support their excellent services.
The family wishes to thank the incredible staff at Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center on 4K and Dr. Liang
and her team for the tremendous and thorough care Karen received during her hospitalization. They also want to
thank Jason, the Aurora Hospice nurse, for the wonderful support and advice he provided to them.