Karen Louise Heien's Obituary
Karen Louise Heien, age 68, of Oshkosh, passed away Wednesday August 11, 2021 at Eden Meadows in Oshkosh. She was born in Oshkosh on December 29, 1952 the daughter of the late Dexter and Joyce Howard Cook. Until the time of her retirement Karen was employed at Columbine Care Center in Fort Collins CO., as a housekeeping professional.
Karen was the second oldest of the Cook children, who are known as the “Cookie Crumbs”. She loved spending time with her family, whether at family gatherings, eating out at local restaurants, or visiting with her sister while eating home-baked apple pie in the fall. With her declining mobility, she was incredibly grateful to her brother Mark who helped her get out and about. Karen valued her integrity, and she always stayed clear of any gossip or drama. Even though she was a very private person who didn't wear her emotions on her sleeve, it was evident that she very much loved her children and family, as is evidenced by all of the photos that adorned her home.
When she wasn't spending time with her family, Karen enjoyed being with her close circle of friends at Marion Manor. The group would often spend time in the gazebo on the lawn, which was one of Karen's favorite outdoor places to sit, visit, and reminisce. When her mother went to church across the street, she recalled frequently seeing Karen in the gazebo. In addition to surrounding herself with her friends, Karen loved to crochet beautiful doilies, meticulously color in her adult coloring books, and save Wizard of Oz and rooster collectibles. She loved shopping, and she was known to come home with a new purse or two from her ventures. Her favorite treat on hot days was frozen red grapes, and she loved Italian food.
Karen was a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul, and she will be missed deeply by her friends and family. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Eden Meadows for the compassionate care they provided her in her short stay before her passing.
Karen is survived by one son; Jeffrey A Heien, of CO., one daughter; Jennifer R (Ryan) Schossow, CO., one granddaughter, Zoe Schossow, CO., three brothers; Mark (Nancy) Cook, Oshksoh, John (Susie Hill) Cook, Oshkosh, Steuart Cook, Oshkosh, six sisters; Valerie (Mike) Usnick, AR., Sheryl (Walter Schmid) Fredin, North Fond du Lac, Debbie (Mark) Schettle, Oshkosh, Jeanne (Scott) Walters, Green Bay, Brenda (Terry) Beauchamp, Two Rivers, and Nadine (Thomas) Zellner, Oshkosh. Karen is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Karen was preceded in death by one brother; Warren Cook, and one infant sister; Jennifer Cook.
Funeral services for Karen will be held in the Poklasny Funeral Home (870 W South Park) on Saturday August 21, at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Calvary. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the hour of services.
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