Karen Ruth Passow

Service Details

Family and friends are invited to meet at Christ Church United Methodist (5109 Washington Ave) on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 for a visitation from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. 

A service celebrating her life will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. George Kafer officiating.   A private interment will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery in Wausau.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Christ Church United Methodist, the P.E.O. Chapter DS, or a charity of one’s choosing.

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ELMWOOD PARK – Karen R. Passow, 68, passed away at her residence on June 30, 2024.

Karen Ruth Passow was born May 30, 1956 in Wausau, Wisconsin to Fred and Ruth Passow. She was baptized and confirmed at Highland United Methodist Church in Wausau. In 1974 she graduated from D.C. Everest High School in Wausau and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree.

As part of her course work, Karen interned in Racine, Wisconsin at Starbuck Junior High during her senior year of college. Upon graduation she was offered a science teaching position at Starbuck. She spent her entire career at Starbuck teaching and coaching. She later furthered her education by earning a Master’s degree from National Louis University, and out of her work toward that degree the Middle School Science Olympiad was developed. Based on her excellence as both a teacher and mentor, she was awarded the Racine Unified Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Karen never lost her love of the north woods, and purchased a drive-in restaurant which she and hired staff ran in the summer season for many years. KP’s Drive-in welcomed and fed many Boulder Junction vacationers, plus Starbuck friends as customers and laborers over its years of operation.

Karen was diagnosed as a diabetic at the age of nine, and faced complications of this disease her entire life. However, this never seemed to really slow her down, especially once she received one of the early insulin pumps, which she hysterically named Philip.  The beep from Philip  was soon identified by friends and family as time to re-fill.

However, over the years due to complications from the diabetes and  additional continued health issues, Karen was forced to take a disability retirement from education. She decided that getting a dog would help her have a schedule and get her walking. Little did she know that this decision would lead her to another phase of her life using her leadership and organizing skills. She got involved doing computer scoring for Barn Hunt, agility, and nose work while also mentoring others to do this work. She was instrumental in bringing the Teacup National Agility Trial to the Racine area twice. Getting a retired champion Wire Fox Terrier helped her learn to groom and show her dogs and eventually to raise her own dogs and successfully show them. Karen was a dedicated member of the Central States Wire Fox Terrier Club and was awarded the Booth Award for “outstanding and unselfish service” to the Club. She remained a dog owner all her life.

Karen’s organizational skills and generous gifts of time were legendary. As an essential member of the Starbuck Middle School family, her work to support the Faculty Breakfast included an egg dish recipe which still dominates many large group breakfast events. Athletics was an important part of her early life, and Karen contributed hours of coaching time to women’s sports, being a real life role model for young women. Karen could famously get one to volunteer their time for Science Olympiad events on weekends, even when you were not a Science person!  Karen was a long time dedicated member of Christ Church United Methodist, who helped with both the Food Bank and counting the finances weekly. With the P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter DS, she spearheaded many a creative fundraising event.

But most importantly, Karen was a kind, generous, and positive person. She met every new health challenge head on, never complaining and always smiling. There never was a negative word for anyone.

As a loved and respected educator, her legacy lives on with her students. Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Karen is survived by brother Gary (Marilyn) and two nephews, Erik and Bryan. She is also survived by special friends, Gloria Thomas and Carne Andrews.

Family and friends are invited to meet at Christ Church United Methodist (5109 Washington Ave) on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 for a visitation from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.  A service celebrating her life will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. George Kafer officiating.   A private interment will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery in Wausau.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Christ Church United Methodist, the P.E.O. Chapter DS, or a charity of one’s choosing.