Karen J. Olthoff

Karen J. Olthoff, 62 of Woodruff, passed away on Wednesday, March 20 at Minocqua Health and Rehab. Karen was born on October 29, 1961 in Duluth, Minn. the daughter of Lester and Jean Olthoff.

Karen graduated from Lakeland Union High School and worked as a certified nursing assistant for many years. She loved arts and crafts, particularly sewing, painting, and coloring with her grandkids. She loved family game time especially card games including cribbage and Rummy. Many fond memories of camping in her youth with all her siblings and cousins.

She is survived by her life partner of 40 years Mike Ecklund, and by her sons Steven (Kristy) Richardson of New Brighton, Minn., and Michael (Trista) Ecklund of Woodruff, and by her grandchildren Parker and Corbyn Ecklund, Daisy Heitke and Annika Richardson, and by her siblings Sharon Olthoff of Frazee, Minn., Pam (Clary) Jordens of Sheboygan Falls, Danny (Tricia) Olthoff of Mount Horeb, and Duane (Char) Olthoff of Kiel, and by many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents Lester and Jean Olthoff, her sister Peggy Olthoff and brother Gregory Olthoff.

Private family services were held on Saturday, March 22 at Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services in Woodruff, with inurnment services at Oneota Cemetery in Duluth, Minn.

Special thank you to Aspirus Cancer Care in Wausau, the staff of HYMC, Minocqua Health and Rehab, Compassus Hospice for all the care provided and to Chaplain Jill Lemke for her services.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.