Karen Hotchkiss, age 67, a resident of Hertel, died on Sunday, January 22, 2017, at her home surrounded by her family.

Karen was born on April 9, 1949, in St. Paul, MN, and lived in East St. Paul while attending Johnson High School. She was united in marriage to Gene Hotchkiss on July 22, 1967 in St. Paul, MN and lived with his parents when he was sent to Vietnam on August 9, 1967. When Gene returned and was discharged, they lived in St. Paul for a short time before moving to Mounds View, MN for a year or so before moving to Hertel, WI. Gene's work then required them to move to Amery, WI for a little over a year, Sparta, WI for 2 years, before finally moving back to Hertel on May 1, 1975. Karen did housekeeping for many families in the Spooner area before working in the deli at 2 grocery stores, and finally worked at Denelie's Pizza for about 11 years before retiring. Karen loved Camping and taking trips to the U.P. of Michigan. On these trips she collected driftwood and rocks of all sizes from along Lake Superior to bring home and place in her yard or pond. She also enjoyed traveling with Gene throughout the U.S. to his Military Reunions. In her spare time, she sewed, attended garage sales, had several collections, and went fishing with her "grandma bobber".

Karen is survived by her husband Gene of Hertel, children: Adriena (David) Molinek of South Carolina, Michael (Lisa) Hotchkiss of Spooner, Cassandra Hotchkiss of Hertel, grandchildren: Logan Watkins, Alexandria, Reilly, Andrew, Lilyana, and several aunts, uncles, and God only knows how many cousins.

She is preceded in death by Marshall and Kathleen Hotchkiss.

Funeral services for Karen Hotchkiss will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017, at 11am, at the Lakeview United Methodist Church with Pastor Jack Starr officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 4-7pm at the Spooner Funeral Home and also from 9 to 11am at the Church. Interment follow at the Lakeview Cemetery following the service. Casket bearers will be Neil Purdy, Jimmy Atkinson, Steve Koel, Michael Hotchkiss, Reilly Hotchkiss, and Andrew Hotchkiss.