Karen S. Cieslak Obituary
Karen S. Cieslak Waterford – Was called home by the Lord just 3 hours into the new year on January 1st, 2025 at the age of 72.
Karen was born to Harold and Flora Bauers in Milwaukee on December 9th 1952. She lived in a house that her grandfather August Nero built that was located on 32nd and North Ave. Karen was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, of which, William Bauers was a founding member.
Karen attended Bethany Lutheran Grade School, Milwaukee Lutheran High School and MATC. She worked as a student aide at the Milwaukee Public Museum, selling tickets at the Nickelodeon on the 'Streets of Old Milwaukee' where she met Brian Cieslak, the love of her life. Three and half months later they were engaged, and then married in September of 1975 I an out door wedding in the back yard her Aunt, Martha Bagley. Since Brian was a south sider and Karen was a north sider and it was rare that anyone from one side would cross Wisconsin to go to the other side back then, Karen always claimed their meeting in the middle was 'A God Thing'.
Karen earned her degree in Health Information Service and worked for many years at Elmbrook Hospital as the supervisor of Medical Records. Then she worked at AAA travel on 27th street, as a travel advisor, drawing up trip ticks and helping patrons plan their vacations. As a travel advisor she had the opportunity to travel the world that included cruising the Caribbean, exploring Italy, Greece, Sicily, Germany, Switzerland, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Costa Rica and the Domincan Republic.
But traveling wasn't the only thing Karen enjoyed. She loved to drive out some lake or river and paddle her kayak, exploring every bay and island. She loved kayaking on the Wisconsin and Fox rivers.
She enjoyed anything outdoors, hiking, biking and theater under the stars at Spring Green.
Karen was a dedicated care giver to her aunts and her dad in their later years. She was a prayer warrior at church, sang in the choir, and involved in Women's ministry and Mission work, building homes in impoverished areas of Mexico and community projects here at home.
Karen and Brian moved to Muskego, Wisconsin a few years after they were married and joined Peace Lutheran church. Occasionally on a warm Sunday morning the would walk mile to attend services.
Ten years later they built a home in Waterford, near the Fox River, where Karen would paddle her Kayak.
In 2012 Karen retired after her first bout of pancreatic cancer that doctors were able to get into remission that lasted eight years. She started to attend Fox River Christian Church in Waukesha where the Holy Spirit led her to share her story of hope to a church that was drawing new beleivers. She continued to share that hope even after her cancer returned inspiring others with her faith up to the day she was called home.
While her biological family was small, her family in Christ, who supported her (some from as far back as kindergarten) was a blessing from God. She was always so thankful for having shared her life with all of them.
A Celebration of Karen's life will be held at a later date.
