Obituary for Karen E. Goldapske Karen E. Goldapske 81, Fond du Lac, WI, was carried in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior to her heavenly home on April 20th. After her valiant fight with Pancreatic Cancer in 2009, Karen’s battle resumed late last year. Her strong will to live, love of life, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through her final months at Hospice Home of Hope.
Karen was born August 11, 1936, in Arkdale, WI, the daughter of Frank and Cecelia Petersen Barton, one of eleven children. Married for 51 years, to her “earthly angel” and beloved husband Paul, who she met at one of his baseball games in Oakfield, WI. Karen and Paul raised their 6 dear children, Deborah Hoffmann, Gig Harbor, WA, David (Kathy) Inks, Waupun, WI, Ronald (Lisa) Inks, Plover, WI, Steven (Samantha) Inks, Oakfield, WI, Patricia “Patti” (Todd) Shippee, Fond du Lac, WI, Richard (Diana) Goldapske, Oakfield, WI.
Karen worked as a real estate agent from 1982 to 1996. She enjoyed raising her family, her many friends, being a devoted member of Church or Our Saviour and her real estate endeavors. Her and Paul loved life and enjoyed welcoming each and every day with gratitude, humility and selflessness.
A woman of faith and the heart of the Goldapske family, Karen shaped all of our lives by her tireless Christian example. Karen was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt. She was a caregiver by nature to all those she loved and a giver of care to all those in need.
She was a lifelong learner and was always up for an adventure, challenge and more knowledge. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She is survived by her fifteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren and siblings; her sister Francis Hamilton, her brother Clair Barton (Carol) Fond du Lac, her triplet siblings, Larry Barton (Marsha) Fond du Lac, Lewellyn Barton (Darlene) Bark River, MI, Loretta Young (Dale) Rochester, WA, sisters Suzanne Aldrich (Donald) Pittsboro, IN; Lanette Bruflat (Len) Bella Vista, AR.
Many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, sister Marjorie Perry, two brothers; Wayne Barton and Russell Barton. Her nephew Gary Hamilton and her beloved husband Paul R. Goldapske on January 30, 2018.
Throughout her life she maintained an outgoing, sweet and caring demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of love and joy, shown through her constant smiling, great sense of humor and helping hands for anyone in need, will never be forgotten. So, when it finally comes my time and I get to the other side, I’ll find myself a bench.
I hope she takes her time, because I don’t mind…waiting on Karen. (Picture in the Photo’s section) A joint memorial service for both Paul and Karen will be held on Friday, May 11, 2018. The family will receive visitors from one o’clock to four o’clock at Church of our Saviour in Fond du Lac, WI with a memorial service at four o’clock, with the Rev.
Matthew Agee officiating and dinner following. A private inurnment for family will be on Saturday, May 12th. Karen and Paul’s family are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayer and support in many heart felt forms from too many people to name individually, but including the amazing, caring staff at Hospice, Hospice Home of Hope, their SSN-Agnesian medical teams, their in-home care-givers, family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Church of Our Saviour. “Mom and Dad, you have given so much and asked for so little in return. Thank you for always being there for us, for teaching us, listening to us, helping and forgiving us, loving us, and always, always paving the way for us.
We will work hard to reach the standard you set. Until we meet again mom and dad”. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Karen E. Goldapske please visit our Sympathy Store.
Upcoming Events Visitation 2018 MAY 11. 01:00 PM – 04:00 PM Church of Our Saviour 363 South Main Street Fond du Lac, WI, US, 54935 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Karen’s Visitation begins. 2018 MAY 11.
04:00 PM Church of Our Saviour 363 South Main Street Fond du Lac, WI, US, 54935 Order Flowers for the Service Guaranteed delivery before Karen’s Service begins.
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