Karen Marie (Otto) Born, aged 63, peacefully passed away into God’s loving embrace at home on Saturday, June 29, 2024, surrounded by her family. Karen was born on June 7, 1961, in Milwaukee, WI, and was the daughter of the late Keith D. and Geraldine A. (Koenig) Otto.
As a child, Karen frequently moved across the US: Butler, AL; Neenah, WI; Memphis, TN; Monroe, LA; Eugene, OR; Appleton, WI; and finally back to Neenah. The family home in Neenah was a huge source of pride and joy for her, as she was a part of the family effort to build their house to the vision of her engineer father. Karen attended multiple elementary schools due to her family’s relocations, which was a source of much personal growth as a child. Her first was Joyland Kindergarten in Memphis, and being enthralled with Elvis Presley while there brought her great excitement.
After her family settled back in Neenah, Karen attended Lakeview Elementary, Horace Mann Middle School, Shattuck High School, and Neenah High School. She commuted to UW-Oshkosh for the first two years of college, and then transferred to UW-La Crosse for the remainder of her bachelor degree in recreation administration. She met her best friend and future husband, Mike, when they lived in the same dorm at UW-La Crosse. They were wed on October 20, 1984, in Neenah and celebrated 39 years of marriage together.
Karen worked at Project Bridges as a coordinator, which later led to her working as a consultant and then manager at London Place in Menasha. When her firstborn, Eric, grew to the age of one and a half years, she chose to be a stay-at-home mom to prioritize raising her family. She went on to have her second son, Ryan, and daughter, Meghan. Karen was a devoted and caring mother. Being a mom was one of Karen’s greatest joys in life.
While raising her family, she continued to do contract and volunteer work through the years until she became certified in interior decorating and started a business, Monarch Designs, with her close friend, Judy (Kappes). Karen was passionate about volunteer work. She volunteered at St. Margaret Mary for ten years in the Parish Life Committee, and for five years as a coordinator in the Meal Ministry. She worked in the Snack Pack program to help children in need, first as a packer, followed by vice president, then president. Helping others was a priority for Karen.
Karen chose to go back to UW-La Crosse for an additional bachelor degree, this time in health and wellness management. Although she had to take several extensions to help care for her father and mother during their terminal diseases, she graduated with highest honors.
Karen bravely fought cancer for two and a half years. Despite the challenges of her illness, she maintained a strong faith, a positive attitude, and dedication to her loved ones.
Karen was compassionate, empathetic, honest, loyal, and always fully committed to being thorough in everything she did. She dedicated herself to be of any help she could to those who needed it. Karen loved to cook and entertain friends and family. Her home was frequently filled with family and friend game nights, fun traditions, and laughter. She loved to plan family vacations and holidays, which were filled with precious memories.
Karen is survived by her loving husband, Mike; and children: Eric, Ryan, and Meghan. She is further survived by her brother, Scott Otto; her brothers: Bruce Otto and Steve Otto; in-laws: Desiree (Greg) Haspert, Bob (Joan) Born, Joe Loftus; and numerous nieces and nephews. Karen is preceded in death by both of her parents; her sister, Katherine (Kathy) Loftus; her cousin, Kathy Rosenfeldt; her aunt, Joan Hardgrove; her uncle, Dick Hardgrove; her mother-in-law, Gladys Born; and her father-in-law, Robert Born.
Karen and her family would like to thank Surgical Associates of Neenah, ThedaCare Oncology, ThedaCare at Home, and ThedaCare Hospice. Additional thanks to family and friends for their prayers, support, meals, and love during this difficult time. Throughout her illness, Karen felt tremendous love, support, and guidance from her husband and children.
The Mass of Resurrection will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 620 Division St., Neenah, with Fr. Nonito Barra officiating. The visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 AM until the hour of Mass.
