Karen Jean Ross

Karen Jean Ross (nee Schaefer), 81 of Minocqua passed peacefully to be with the Lord on April 13, 2024. Karen was born to Edward and Lucille Schaefer on February 3, 1943 in Aurora, Ill. She was a graduate of West Aurora High School, Aurora, Ill. and Waubonsee Community College.

Karen held various positions in the financial services industry at multiple companies in Aurora until 1991. After retiring to Minocqua, she worked for Howard Young Hospital for 16 years. 

Karen met the love of her life Glenn Ross in 1965, and they were married at St. Anne Catholic Church in Oswego on April 23, 1966. The couple traveled extensively throughout their lives and into their retirement years to Florida. 

Karen maintained the passion, recently traveling with her son Chris to Alaska and with her daughter Kim to Florida and a cruise. Karen enjoyed volunteering for the Howard Young Foundation and the Lakeland Pantry, gardening, bird watching, baking, and participating in church bible studies. Karen was a founding member of Peace Lutheran church and dedicated a large portion of her life in service to the church.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Kim Ross of Minocqua; sons, Chris Ross of Oswego, Ill. and Brian Ross, of Fargo, N.D.; grandsons Aiden and Kobe Ross of Plano, Ill.; three sisters, Patricia ( Kenneth) Hartmann of Lac du Flambeau, Joan (David LeFavour) Gillette of Rockford, Ill. , Kathleen (Daniel) Thorp of Chanhassen, Minn.; and a brother, Michael (Patricia) Schaefer of Aurora, Ill; and many nieces and nephews. Karen is preceded in death by her loving husband Glenn, infant grandson Gage, and her parents, Edward and Lucille Schaefer.

Visitation will be held on April 27, from 10 a.m. to noon at Peace Lutheran Church, 10868 Old 51 N, Woodruff, services will be held immediately after.

Memorials can be made to Peace Lutheran Church in Karen’s memory.