Obit: Andruszkiewicz, Karen M. (1940 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Andruszkiewicz, Dietsche, Jacobson, Strzok, Knaack, Starks, Chittendon, Kirby, Trapnell, Barnes

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 19 Feb 2010

Andruszkiewicz, Karen M. (11 DEC 1940 – 15 FEB 2020)

Karen M. Andruszkiewicz, 79, Thorp, peacefully passed away at her home on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, Feb. 22, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Thorp, with burial to be held at a later date. There will be no visitation.

Karen May Dietsche was born on Dec. 11, 1940, in Ladysmith, to Fred and Lucille (nee Schmidt) Dietsche Jr. As a young child, Karen’s family moved to Spencer, where she received her elementary education. She later attended Wausau Newman Catholic High School, where she graduated in 1958. After graduation, Karen worked at her grandparents’ bakery in Thorp for one year. Karen married Louis W. Andruszkiewicz on June 29, 1963, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thorp. She worked at People’s Exchange Bank in Thorp as a teller and loan officer until Oct. 16, 1989. Karen continued her banking career at the Northwestern Bank in Thorp until retiring on Jan. 21, 2020. She recently received a plaque from the Wisconsin Bankers Association for 62 years of service. In addition to working outside of the home, Karen was also a Mary Kay consultant from Jan. 9, 1989, until the present time. She also worked with Louis on the farm, milking cows morning and night while working at the bank. Karen was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church, the church choir, and the PCCW, a member of the Clark County Choraliers, a founding member of the Thorp Pumpkin Fest, a founding member of the Thorp Main Street flower beautification committee, and held the title of a Master Gardener. She had many interests, including loving animals (especially dogs), gardening, watching Wisconsin Badger football and basketball games, World Series baseball, and watching the Hallmark channel. Her love of music motivated her to take up playing the piano at age 70.

Karen will be dearly missed by her husband, Louis, of Thorp; three children: Dawn (Dave) Jacobson of Greenwood, Rebecca (Scott) Strzok of Thorp, and Mark (Robyn) Andruszkiewicz of Thorp; four grandchildren: Amanda (Tom) Starks of Eau Claire, Jeff (Katelyn) Strzok of Thorp, Eric (Kyleigh) Strzok of Rhinelander, and Ryan (Katrina Knaack) Strzok of Thorp; three great-grandchildren: William Starks, Aubrey Strzok and Ethan Strzok; five siblings: Patricia (Robert) Chittendon of Eau Claire, Mary (Robert) Kirby of Cupertino, Calif., Neil (Diane) Dietsche of Hudson, Stephen Dietsche of Wausau, and Jean (Kevin Trapnell) Barnes of Crossville, Tenn.; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: John and Joseph Dietsche; and one sister-in-law: Patricia Dietsche.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. 

Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.