Karen Aynn Vethe

Karen Aynn (Dimmel) Vethe, 85 of Cambridge, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, August 9th at Autumn Winds of Cambridge.

                Karen was born at home in London, Wisconsin on September 16, 1938, a twin daughter of Martin and Mabel (Buchholtz) Dimmel. Karen and her twin sister, Sharon, grew up in the small village of London, Wisconsin and sang often at church and social gatherings.  While attending Cambridge High School, she continued her love of music being active in Mixed Chorus, A Capella, and Triple Trio.  She would later impart her gift of music to her children, and it would remain a core joy in her life. After finishing high school, she went to work for American Family for four years as a key punch operator. 

                On November 22, 1957, she married the love of her life, Donald Vethe.  She left the corporate world shortly after and became a stay-at-home mother. Together Karen and Don raised six children. Karen was a devoted, lifelong member of the London Moravian Church starting in Sunday School with her twin sister at the early age of 2. She was active in the Women’s Fellowship, planning and coordinating many fundraisers including Swiss Steak Dinners and Pie Sales.  She often had many requests for her strawberry rhubarb pies.

                Karen enjoyed crafting and working with her hands. She made many quilts for the grandchildren and table runners that she gifted to many people.  She found joy in crocheting, knitting and embroidery.  She passed many of her crafting skills and love of creating to her children, teaching them from a young age. Karen inherited and carried on her mother’s talents in the kitchen with cooking, baking and canning.  Together with Don, they raised many years of crops in their large garden, always with plenty to be shared with family, friends and neighbors.   No one ever went away hungry.

                After most of the children had grown, Karen and Don vacationed, taking many camping trips throughout Wisconsin as well as many of the states.  She loved attending the Cranberry Fest each year in Warrens, Wisconsin.  If there was an antique mall in the area, it would not go unvisited as she was always in search of the Open Rose depression glass. 

                Karen is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, children Roger (Julie) Vethe, Penny (Michael) Haskins, Jacqueline (Randall) Prescott, Debra (Larry) Trieloff, Jody (Ryan) Hasz, and Lisa Nett, grandchildren Jennifer (Tyler) Arthur, Shane (Nora) Eggleson, Eric (Andrea) Prescott, Jarod (Kelsey) Prescott, Stephany (Russell) Kies, Hailey Nett & Paige Nett, twin sister Sharon McClary, sister-in-law Shirley Dimmel, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren.

                She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Elmer & Verna (Smithback) Vethe, brother Wayne Dimmel, sister and brother in-law Janet and Robert Cunningham, Sr, brothers-in-law Roger McClary and Richard Vethe, granddaughter Crystalyn Meyer and great-grandson Robert Brandt.

                A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Autumn Winds, Rainbow Hospice and Three Oaks Health for their loving care throughout the years and helping Karen and her family through this journey with grace, dignity and love.   Words cannot express the thanks and gratitude for the care and support given especially by Dr. Milford, Nancy, Courtney, Amanda, Leslie, Tiffany, Tesa, Jazz, Maria, Crystal and Katie who we are convinced are angels in disguise. You will be forever part of our family. 

                The service is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 11:00 am at the London Moravian Church, N5610 Cty. Rd. O, Cambridge, WI.  Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of service.  Burial at the Lake Ripley Cemetery will take place after the service with fellowship luncheon at the church to follow.

                In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Rainbow Hospice located in Johnson Creek.