Middleton / Black Earth / Cross Plains - Karen L. Esser passed away on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born on June 5, 1943, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Gordon and Jeanette (Reuter) LaBelle. She graduated from Sauk High School in 1961. She met the love of her life, Norman J. Esser Sr., on a blind date and they were married at St. Norbert’s Catholic Church in Roxbury, Wis., on April 15, 1964.

Karen and Norm bought their first home in the village of Cross Plains where they lived, along with their children, for 49 years before moving to Black Earth. In January of 2022, Karen moved to Cardinal View Senior Living in Middleton, where she enjoyed the last years of her life. Karen’s devotion to Norm and her children made her the matriarch of the family. She held a position in accounts receivable at Graber Blinds (Springs Window Fashions), and as a cook at both St. Francis School and Hilltop Supper Club. Her passion for caring for children became evident in 1973 when she stayed at home full-time and cared for the children of local families. She later began to care solely for her grandchildren before taking on a role as a secretary at Century 21-Affiliated Roessler.

Norm and Karen thoroughly enjoyed their cross-country trips to see new places and visit family. Karen suffered her first stroke while on vacation in California in 2002, at which time she was diagnosed with diabetes. She also suffered additional strokes and had open heart surgery. Karen’s strong will and determination to fight toward wellness was an inspiration to us all. After Norm’s passing, Karen learned how to survive without her life partner. Karen enjoyed attending all her grandchildren’s sporting events, watching the Brewers, the Game Show Network, and the Hallmark Channel.

Karen was preceded in death by Norm; her daughter, Mary Jane; her parents; her father and mother-in-law, Bernard Herman Esser and Lucinda Catherine (Lamberty) Esser; sisters, Janice Marklein, Sara LaBelle and Sheila Disrud; brothers, Leon LaBelle and Darrelle LaBelle; brother-in-law, Kenneth Esser; sister-in-law, Kathryn (Kay) Esser; and five nephews. Karen is survived by her children, Dawn (Dan) Fargen, Tammy (Mike) Diebold, Wendy (Steve) Martig, Gail (Mark) Rettenmund, Lori (Troy) Hellenbrand, Gordon (Amy) Esser, Annette (Mark) Geisler, Norman Jr. (Anne) Esser, Janelle (Darrin) Zimmerman and Kelly Jo (Jason) Klock; 31 grandchildren, Kyle and Jacob Fargen, Kayla (Jason) Writz, Brian (Jeanna) Diebold, and Jessica (Aaron) Gowan, Justin and Heather Martig, Vanessa (Cody) Lochner, Derick (Kaitlyn) Rettenmund, Lindsey, Devin, Brenda, and Alisha Rettenmund, Jordan and Hayden Hellenbrand, Travis Flannery, Zachary (Nichole) Esser, Tyler and Nolan Esser, Jacob and Braeden Geisler, Lynnette (Doug) Sutcliffe, Norman III (Brittany) Esser, Keagan, Lainey, and Gabriella Esser, Matthew and Mackenzie Zimmerman, and Cole, Dylan and Kylie Klock; 16 great-grandchildren with another arriving in 2024; sisters, Sally (Donald) Ringelstetter, Joan Schneider and Janeen LaBelle (Philip) Barreau; sisters-in-law, Sharon LaBelle, Vicky LaBelle and Mary Carol Esser; brother-in-law, Lloyd Marklein; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, with Father Michael Wanta presiding. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday.

A special thank you to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare and Cardinal View Senior Living for providing mom with the best care possible and honoring her wishes to remain in her home.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Dear mom, we are so grateful for the way we were raised. You were never afraid to be our mother - to put your foot down, to teach us right from wrong, to make sure we did our best. You always let us know we had a mom who cared about us, who believed in us, who was there for us no matter what. You will be greatly missed.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077

Karen Lorraine Esser

June 05, 1943 - October 30, 2023

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