Karen Lucille Salzsieder's Obituary
Karen Lucille Salzsieder (nee Jackson), 76, of Oshkosh, WI, was called home by God on Sunday, June 18, 2017. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh. It was fitting that Karen’s last few days were at Mercy because much of her life was spent there. She began her nursing career at Mercy Medical (graduating as an RN in 1961) and went on to work there and upon retirement went back to volunteer. Karen was originally from Green Bay, but once she met Edward (Ed) Salzsieder, she never left Oshkosh, except for a brief stint in Maryland and Ohio for Ed’s US Army service and education.
Karen and Ed were married June 1, 1963 and spent their whole lives together, enjoying the journey through life with its normal ups and downs and were glad to have experienced “the greatest generation” together. As Ed reflected on their time together, he said, “It was one wonderful ride!”
Karen loved to travel; visiting her four children spread throughout the United States and even went to Germany when one of her sons was stationed there. She had dreamed of making it to the Vatican in Rome, as well as The Holy Land, and researched both extensively. She loved to play games with her grandchildren and was famous for winning even if she had to bend the rules to her advantage. She created a home where everyone was welcome, hosting gatherings of family and friends year round. In fact, it was a joy for her to have pool parties with her grandkids and neighbors every Summer. All her grandkids, near and far, knew her as a fun loving grandma. They will all miss doing things with her, as well as her sass and texting or Facebooking with her.
Over the years, she volunteered at numerous places including St Raphael’s, the United Way, Mercy Medical, and home care visits with shut-ins. As a devoted parishioner and volunteer at St Raphael’s she developed many deep friendships with the people there. At St. Raphael's she was a member of the Women's Spirituality Group and an informal Sunday Breakfast Group, also known to some as the Chatty Ladies Group in the back of church.
The beautiful flowers in her garden reflected her love of nature and all of God’s creation – except the rabbits that kept eating her flowers and tomato plants.
Karen was an avid reader, and loved to golf. She also enjoyed going to the movies and out to lunch. One of her favorite early hobbies included needlepoint. Decorating her home for every holiday gave her great pleasure. She had many cherished collections including spiritual figurines, teapots, and books. Her family loved her cooking and could always count on her to have something wonderful on the stove when they came to visit. She never needed her arm twisted to go to the casino – whether it was with her friends or family. Her sense of humor was one of a kind. She knew how to laugh at herself and enjoyed sharing a joke with others. Karen was also very proud to be part Native American, and enjoyed a strong spiritual connection with nature and her ancestors.
Karen was beloved and is survived by her husband Ed, their four children Stephanie (Ed) Weisse (Brookfield), Joe (Laura) Salzsieder (Seminole FL) , Amy (Seppi) Gorecki (Bremerton, WA), Jon (Lisa) Salzsieder (Oshkosh), 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and dear sister Joan Conard. Her family was her pride and joy. Her greatest pleasure in life came from having her family all together.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 11 am at St. Raphael's Catholic Church at 830 S. Westhaven Drive in Oshkosh. Father Doug LeCaptain will be the celebrant. Visitation will be held at the Fiss & Bills Funeral Home at 865 S. Westhaven Drive on Thursday, June 22, 2017 from 4 pm until 7 pm and also at church on Friday from 10 am until the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Dravet Foundation in her granddaughter Lydia's name, or United Way.
Karen’s family would like to especially thank the wonderful neighbors, Randy and Doris Brockman; Dan and Kim Patterson; and Irv Korth and family, for their loving help to Karen and Ed throughout the years.
What’s your fondest memory of Karen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Karen?
Share a story where Karen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Karen you’ll never forget.
How did Karen make you smile?