Karen A. Thiessen, 80, of New Holstein, entered life eternal on April 15, 2026, following complications from cancer. Karen was born on April 22, 1945, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Reinhold and Laverne Rohde (later Starck). She grew up in Howards Grove, graduating in 1963, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Lakeland College in 1967.

Karen began dating her college sweetheart, Terry E. Thiessen, in 1966, and they married on November 30, 1968. In their early years together, Karen and Terry lived in Washington, D.C., while Terry served in the military. Karen frequently reminisced about their time in Washington, cherishing the lasting memories they created and the friendships that endured throughout their lives. In the years that followed, Karen and Terry raised three children and were blessed with seven grandchildren, enjoying a life filled with family and love.

A dedicated educator, Karen taught for 40 years, spending the majority of her career at New Holstein Elementary School. Throughout her career, she taught a wide range of grade levels but spent the bulk of her career teaching six graders. Her commitment to her students and to education was unwavering and left a lasting impact.

Karen's deep love for her family was evident to all who knew her. She was the proud mother of three children and the loving grandmother of seven, always taking pride in their accomplishments and cherishing time spent together.

Service and community were central to Karen's life. She sang in the Mendelssohn Choir at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, served as Benevolent Treasurer at St. Peter's, and was a dedicated member of the Kiel Municipal Band, playing alto saxophone for fifty-six wonderful years. She also volunteered with the New Holstein Historical Society, helping to preserve the stories and heritage of her community.

Karen found great joy in reading and tending to her beautiful garden, where she took pride in nurturing a wide variety of flowers and plants. Her passion for history and travel inspired many family vacations, often planned around visiting historical landmarks and learning about the nation's past together. In later years, Karen cherished her travels with Terry, making the most of their time together.

Karen is survived by her son Matthew Thiessen and his children, Meredith, Alexander, and Samuel; her daughter Sonja (Brian) Byers and their children, Raegan and Avery; her daughter Aimee Beilgard and her children, Shea and Declan; her sister Kathleen (James) Kalk and their family; her sister-in-law Prudence (David) Casper and their family; as well as many other relatives and friends. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Terry E. Thiessen, brother Kenneth Rohde, sister-in-law Sandra Wise, and brothers-in-law James Wise and Palmer Smith.

The Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home of Kiel is assisting the family with arrangements. A memorial service will be held on June 6, 2026, at 10AM at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, with burial to follow at Eaton Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or plants, Karen would appreciate donations to the New Holstein Historical Society, Lakeland University, Kiel Municipal Band, or St. Peter's United Church of Christ.

More information and online condolences may be expressed at www.meiselwitzfh.com