Karen Dawn Almlie

Karen D. (Westphal) Almlie was born in Wausau on May 31, 1937, to Eleanor and Charles Westphal. She attended Wausau area schools, graduating from Wausau Senior High in 1955. Karen married John (Jack) Almlie in 1957, and they welcomed four daughters, Lisa, Mary, Ellen, and Patti.

Karen worked for the Wausau School District for more than 27 years, and especially enjoyed her positions as aide to developmentally disabled children at Lincoln Elementary and later as secretary to School Social Workers, Speech and Language Department, and School Psychologists. In addition, Karen volunteered in her girls’ schools, Wausau Hospital (Aspirus) Gift Shop, and Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.

In retirement, Karen and Jack set off on many road trips, traveling throughout the country. Gardening and bird-watching were among her favorite activities, and she was an avid reader of poetry and classic literature. Karen cherished her high school mates, church friends, pool pals, and sisters Kathy and Char, meeting them regularly for lunch and holiday gatherings.

Particular joy was found in her grandchildren, Jackson Sedivy, Elizabeth (Hartwig) Elmergreen, and Daniel Hartwig, and great-grandchildren Ember and August Elmergreen and Gracie Mueller.

Survivors include her daughters Lisa (Sean) O’Rourke, Madison; Mary Almlie, Naperville, IL; Ellen (Daniel) Hartwig, Wausau; and Patricia Almlie, Madison; grandchildren Jackson, Elizabeth (Dennis), and Daniel; and great-grandchildren Ember, August, and Gracie. Further survived by siblings Vern (Marlys) Westphal, Robert (Suzanne) Metz, Dennis (Betty) Metz, Kathy (Gary) Bielen, and Charlene Carr, and many nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by Jack, her husband of 53 years, parents Eleanor and Charles, stepfather Peter Metz, and infant sister Mary.

A Memorial Service for Karen will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Ascend Funeral Home, 2809 Jelinek Avenue, Schofield, WI 54476. Visitation will take place from 2:00-3:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PBS Wisconsin or the Nature Conservancy. Karen’s family is grateful for the thoughtful care of St. Croix Hospice and Weston Memory Care.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.