Karen Ek, was born in Menomonie, WI on March 9, 1936 to Rock and Alma Peterson.

She graduated from Spooner High School, where she was a member of the band and was a cheerleader. She rode horses on the beaches of Shell Lake, which eventually led to becoming a rodeo princess in the first Heart of the North Rodeo in Spooner.

Karen attended St. Olaf College and Macalaster College before taking a break to marry the love of her life, Bill Ek. She gave birth to five sons in a span of six and a half years before returning to UW-Green Bay to complete her degree. Bill’s career took them to Oconto, WI, West Point, MS, Libertyville, IL and Lebanon, MO.

Karen loved travel and adventure. It started with waterskiing while standing on the shoulders of her future husband. She loved her family trips to snow ski in Michigan with family friends. In her 80’s, she traveled to swim the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Karen enjoyed gardening, sewing, her many meaningful friendships and her lunches with the “Ladies of the Lake”.

Karen gave her time and talents to her community. She faithfully served her church, taught sewing to middle school girls, crafted baby dolls for newborns, made her famous Swedish Pancakes at Glenview Nursing Home and delivered Christmas cookies and handmade Lefsa to her family and many friends.

Karen is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Kathy) Ek of Oconomowoc, Paul (Connie) Ek of Minocqua, Steve Ek of West Allis, Charles “Chip” (Sandi) Ek of Racine and her “adopted daughters” Robin Mercier and Kim Coran; Seven Grandchildren, Five Great-Grandchildren; and her brother Charles (Ruth) Peterson of Eau Claire. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jim and her son Mike.

A funeral service will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shell Lake on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation to start at 10:00 a.m. Bratley-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Memorials are suggested for the School District of Shell Lake Educational Foundation (SLEF) or a non-profit of your choice with ties to Shell Lake. The family is planning a summer celebration of Karen’s amazing life in Shell Lake next summer.

Last Update: Oct 13, 2022 5:00 pm CDT