Karen A. Gardner

Karen Ann Gardner, 81, of Whitehall, completed her earthly journey, Wednesday, December 27, 2023, and is now with Jesus, her Savior and Lord.

Karen was born August 27, 1942, in Whitehall to Gerhard and Florence (Johnson) Oerke of Pigeon Falls. She was the third of their four children. Shortly after graduating from Whitehall Memorial High School, she and her husband, William E. Gardner, were married, August 3, 1960. They lived in Idaho briefly before moving back to the Whitehall area where her four boys were born and raised.

Faith and family were the most important things to Karen. She faithfully followed Jesus and allowed the Spirit of God to help her exhibit love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control all the days she spent here on this earth. She loved being a mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. Karen was devoted and willing to serve her church and her family. Even while valiantly battling Alzheimer’s, she could be seen caring for other Pigeon Falls Health Care Center residents.

Karen spent decades working at John 0. Melby & Co. Bank in Whitehall. She applied what she learned there to help churches with their finances. Karen also served as a den mother for the Cub Scouts and in children’s church activities. She has always been known as a faithful and kind soul.

Karen is survived by her husband, William E. Gardner; her sons: Shane (Pam) of Cedar Falls, IA, David (Carol) of Whitehall and Bakersfield, CA, John (Angie) of Whitehall and Fred (Stacey) of Whitehall; her grandchildren: Mitch (Robin), Ryan (Kayla), Dusty, Logan, Brynn (Shane Fuller), Tyler (Tatyana), Chase, Sarah, Nick (fiancee`, Lauren DiTallo), Kaili (Kyle Koval) and Jacob; her great-grandchildren: Camden Gardner, Haddon, Kuyper, Brock and Cam Fuller, Genevieve Gardner and Elena Gardner; and her siblings: Sondra (Charles) Destival, David (Julie) Oerke and Nora Foss.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Gerhard and Florence Oerke. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Dove Healthcare in Osseo, Pigeon Falls Health Care Center in Pigeon Falls, Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse and The Oaks at Hillview in La Crosse for their loving care of Karen.

A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall.  Visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a memorial service at 6:00 p.m.