Elaine M. Karrels, 81, of S. Garfield Avenue, Port Washington, passed on to eternal life surrounded by her loving family, April 23, 2015 at Lasata Care Center in Cedarburg.
She was born in Holy Cross, Town of Belgium, Wisconsin on July 22, 1933 to Jacob and Margaret (nee Lesch) Watry. She married Ervin Karrels of Chicago, Illinois on October 1, 1955 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Dacada. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington and was active in the Christian Mothers in her earlier years. When her children were younger she was a volunteer at St. Mary’s Catholic School and Child Care. When her children grew up, she continued working at the school.
Elaine was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She devoted her life to her family and treasured spending time with them. A bit of a “card shark”, she liked a good game of sheepshead, doing puzzles with her grandchildren, quilting, baking, family travels, camping, and following the Chicago Cubs and the Green Bay Packers.
She is survived by her husband Ervin, children Mark (Cindy) Karrels of New Berlin, Margaret (Randy) Pieper of Casa Grande, Arizona, Joan (Robert) Preisler of Port Washington, Rose (Jeff) Ihde of Venice, Florida, Ed (Debby) Karrels of Port Washington, Doris (Dennis) Dommer of Fredonia, Ruth (Bryan) Wichmann of Port Washington and Kathy (Jason) Sepanic of Frederick, Maryland. Further survived by 22 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, sisters Dolores Tock and Rosie Pozy both of Kewaskum, Mildred (John) Lanser of Bakersfield, California, Monica (Jim) Schulz of West Bend, Catherine Kearn of Waukesha, Ginny (Dick) Junge of Silver Creek and Sue (Tim) Neuman of Circle Pines, Minnesota, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her sisters Agnes Egerer, Janet Hogan and Janice Phillips, brothers Gene, Richard, Robert, Wally and Ralph Watry.
The Reverend Thomas Lijewski will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 430 N. Johnson Street, Port Washington. Interment at the Parish Cemetery. Visitation from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday AT THE CHURCH with a Rosary at 3:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Alzheimer’s Association or to the family for sharing with special local charities.
The family would like to thank the staff at Lasata Care Center and Heartland Hospice for the tender loving care they provided for Elaine.
Dear Karrels’ family,
Sorry for your loss, Aunt Elaine was always one of the pillars of the family, especially when we were all young and the whole gang was together at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s. The other thing I remember most was how much she loved the CUBS, which as a little girl I didn’t understand because we had the Milwaukee Braves (at that time). But Dad used to say the CUBBIES were always your mom’s team from as far back as he could remember. May God’s graces fall about your family and may you all feel his comforting love.
Diane Ruschak (1st counsin – one of Dick’s kids)
Dear Kathy and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She was such a lovely woman and a great Mom to you all and to all who spent time at your house! Thinking of you all! Kim
Kathy, So sorry for your loss. One of my all time favorite players and families i have ever coached. My best to you and your family.
Kathy and family,
I remember sleeping at your house and always feeling so welcome.I am sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Mickie Jaeger
Dear Kathy & family,
I remember Elaine being so present in our school days and activities at St. Mary’s. She was a very compassionate person and dedicated mother. She was so wonderful and kind when I came to the house to play with Kathy. I know you will all miss her very much. She is in a better place and I know that God welcomed her with open arms – Elaine had certainly earned it.
Love and prayers at this difficult time, Glenda, Jeff, Josephine, Noah and Caleb (Prom) Stanlick