Karen G. (Christensen) Oechler Obituary
June 15, 1940 - October 9, 2023.
Born to Christian Christensen and Salome (née Napiezinski). Survived by her sisters; Laurie (Bill) Stenzel - Manitowoc, WI and Lynn Anderson - Sedalia, CO. Preceded in death by her brother, Peter Christensen and sister, Annette Christensen. Further survived by nieces, Erika Brown and Carrie Stenzel and nephew, Christopher Stenzel. Survived by her husband, Dr. Herbert W. Oechler. Also survived by stepchildren; Jennifer (Brian) Haraway, Thomas (Jill) Oechler and five step grandchildren; Meredith, Ray and Cal Oechler and Olivia and Grace Haraway.
Born and raised in Manitowoc, WI., Karen graduated from Lincoln HS. She went on to work for the Manitowoc School Board and then worked for Robert Siegrist, a radio commentator. She worked as a secretary for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she met her husband, Herbert.
Karen attended Marquette University receiving a bachelor's degree in medical technology and was employed for many years as a laboratory technician at St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee.
She was happily married for 46 years to Dr. Herbert Oechler. They enjoyed many years of travel all over the world. As an equestrian in her younger years, Karen enjoyed riding horses in the mountains of Montana and Wyoming during family vacations with her husband and stepchildren.
For many years, Karen volunteered at the Wauwatosa Public Library. As an avid reader, she took many English courses at Marquette. Karen was a long-time member and organizer of the Wauwatosa Great Books Club. She and her husband, along with their love of the arts, enjoyed years of attending theater, the MSO, ballet and the American Players Theater in Spring Green, WI. Karen and Herb took theater tours in London, England.
Visitation from 10 am until the time of the funeral service at 11 am on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home, 10121 W. North Avenue in Wauwatosa. Burial to follow in Wisconsin Memorial Park.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Lutheran Home, 2 NW, for their compassionate care of Karen during her lengthy illness. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Lutheran Home or Wauwatosa Library are appreciated.
