Karrie Christine Aaseby

Karrie Christine Aaseby, 88, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025 in her home with the comfort of her family by her side.

Born September 18, 1936, to Kenneth and Borghild Jothen in Milwaukee, she was the oldest of three girls. Karrie graduated from Rufus King High School and went on to graduate from UW-Madison with a degree in business. She began her career in banking before marrying Kenneth Aaseby and staying home to raise their three daughters.

Karrie was devout in her Lutheran faith and was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua, and First English Lutheran Church in Appleton. Family, faith and kindness were the essence of Karrie’s life. Her loving, caring heart touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. She had friends from every corner of her life and her strong faith guided family and friends quiet in their struggles, while she also celebrated joys with great depth. She lived a life serving others.

Karrie was a talented seamstress and ran a small sewing business which included making wedding gowns, draperies, and altering a favorite outfit. She volunteered her time and talents to the church by creating vibrant paraments for Ascension Lutheran Church and First English Lutheran Church, these are the gifts she brought to others and what brought her joy. She also enjoyed Bible Study, baking, needlepoint, re-upholstering furniture and volunteering at Echoes, her church’s thrift shop.

Close to her heart was her Norwegian heritage, memories of family trips to Norway, her childhood in Milwaukee, and time spent on the family farm in Cashton. She was a family historian and could relay detailed stories from her youngest memories. She was steadfast in her beliefs, invested in current events, and had a caring heart. In 1993, Ken and Karrie moved to Menasha to be close to their girls and to treasure and support their growing group of grandchildren.

Karrie was preceded in death by her loving husband of nearly 52 years, Kenneth, and her parents, Kenneth and Borghild Jothen. Karrie was a dedicated and loving mother to her three daughters, Maren Lang (Jeff), Kay Aaseby, and Kris Burns (Tim). She was a proud grandmother to Maya Cohn (Steve), Taylor Lang, Kalle Kutschera (Lena Simon), Leif Kutschera, and Karsten Kutschera; great-grandmother to Harrison Kenneth and Kennedy Grace Cohn. She is survived by her sisters, Iris Othrow (Mike), Ruth Price (Lee) and honorary sister Joan Stenslien; Sister-in-Law Marlene Zick (Ralph), Brother-in-Law Jerry Aaseby; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins all of whom she adored. 

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, Sept. 29, at 11 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 326 E North Street, Appleton. Visitation is at 9:30 a.m. and lunch will be provided after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Karrie to Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center, Inc. at Norskedalen.org, Skogdalen Lutheran Church at oursaviors-skogdalen.org, or First English Lutheran Church, Appleton at felc.com.