Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Monday, JUNE 5th for a visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
A memorial service celebrating Kara’s life will take place at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church (1700 South Green Bay Rd) on Tuesday, JUNE 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. There will not be a visitation prior to the service on Tuesday.
In keeping with the Lutheran tradition and to carry out Kara’s wishes, there will be a potluck immediately following the service. All are welcome to attend. We only ask that, if you are planning to attend, please bring a dish to pass. Last names starting with A-H should bring a main dish, I-Q a side dish, and R-Z a dessert. If you have any questions regarding the potluck, please email tgraves4883@att.net
You may watch the service via livestream by clicking on this link at 11:00 a.m. https://www.youtube.com/live/OhLbngKOeNQ?feature=share
CALEDONIA – Reverend Kara Frances Baylor, 52 passed peacefully on Thursday, May 25th. Kara was born on August 18th, 1970 in Madison, WI and adopted by Reverend Roger and Marilyn Skatrud in Shawano, WI on September 24th 1970.
Kara began her path to doing God’s will by earning a bachelor’s degree in social work from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Although she was never a practicing social worker she was called to the work of caring for others. Kara later earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, IL. She was ordained in 2000 and began her ministry at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church that same year. While at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Kara developed as a preacher and teacher. She was a much beloved confirmation teacher and youth leader. She was inviting, engaging and thoughtful with each of the confirmation students. After fourteen years at Mount Pleasant Lutheran, she accepted the position to lead the Center for Faith and Spirituality at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. In her role as campus pastor she walked side by side with students as their faith and beliefs waxed and waned; but she continued to offer hope, light and guidance to their lives with love. Kara hosted regular interfaith lunches and conversations; Chapel gatherings and events; meetings with students and faculty; counseling as well as a variety of other spiritual programs and service activities.
More broadly, it was Kara’s mission to challenge and change our understanding of the church and the depth of God’s love. Through her preaching and teaching she sought to illuminate and connect the scripture with our seemingly ordinary lives. She developed methods of connecting stories on NPR, News, Oprah and her favorite songs to help us understand how and where God’s love is present in our lives. She used each sermon to provide instructions on how to use love for healing of ourselves and others. Kara was a beacon of love and hope, so much so that strangers often were drawn to her and were compelled to open up to her (unsolicited) about their lives. She responded to each with a kind word and a smile.
Kara also understood that true love requires honesty and action. After the death of George Floyd in 2020 and the protests that followed, Kara was called to take action. She began to publicly question and criticize systems of inequity and injustice. She started #PissedOffPastor where she spoke passionately about racism, sexism, sexuality and other injustices. She spoke “Truth to Power” with a balance of anger and grace leaving others to continue the work of advocating for those without a voice.
Kara’s bright light and love extended well beyond her career. She was a kind, loving and compassionate soul. She was introduced to Trenton at a Christmas party in 2001 (God had a plan) and they were married in 2003. Together they had Thea Grace and Tova Hope. Kara was an incredibly loving and supportive wife, mother, and friend. Kara provided unconditional love and encouragement to Thea and Tova; unwavering love, companionship and encouragement to Trenton and loyalty to friends and family. In her free time she enjoyed exercise, cooking, travel and her green tea.
Kara will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, friendship, as well as her honesty, tenacity, perseverance and a bit of stubborness.
Kara is preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn Skatrud. She is survived by her father, Reverend Roger Skatrud; her husband Trenton Baylor; daughters Thea Grace Baylor and Tova Hope Baylor; brothers Arne R. Skatrud (Lisa L. Skatrud), Eric Skatrud.
The family would like to thank Dr. Sailaja Kamaraju, Dr. Amanda L. Kong, Dr. Michael P. Mullane, nurses and all the members of the medical community that provided excellent care and compassion throughout Kara’s illness.
In Lutheran tradition, we will be holding a potluck after the funeral service. If you would like to attend, please bring a dish to share. We ask that if your last name begins with A-H please bring a main dish, I-Q a side dish and R-Z a dessert.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Kara’s honor to charity or one of the organizations listed:
American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/
Carthage College https://www.carthage.edu/giving/
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) https://www.elca.org/resources/elca-good-gifts
The Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization https://haloinc.org/
Pastor Roger and Marilyn Skatrud Scholarship, Luther College https://givenow.luther.edu
Dr. Charles C Jones says
Such a sweet, thoughtful and precious soul. She was always supportive of many of our fundraisers. Condolences to her family and church family you all are in our prayers and thoughts. Shekinah Glory Family Worship Center 1013 Harmony Drive Racine Wisconsin
Dennis and Carol Barkow says
Kara, you were a blessing to so many people. We will always love and remember you. Our condolences to Trenton, Thea, Tova and all your family, near and far.
The first year you were at Mt. Pleasant you were at our house on Christmas Eve and I remember how overwhelmed you were at the joy of being a pastor, and missing your family in Chippewa Falls – and all the new people – all at once. You became such a gracious and amazing leader. Thank you for being among us.
Becky Kron says
So happy to have met you. You had such a strong spirit.
Marilyn Propp says
I am so sorry to hear of Kara’s passing. She was a beloved member of the Carthage College community. My heart and prayers go out to Trenton and the children.
Dani Kozak Joy says
Rest easy. Your beautiful soul will live on through the lives you impacted.
Adelene Greene says
Kara Baylor was a brave warrior for Justice and Equality while she was fighting her own health battle. Throughout it all she maintained a smile and a positive attitude. Kara will be missed but her kindness and loving spirit and will live on. May she rest in Heavenly Peace!
James Weyrough says
Prayers
Heaven has gained a
Soldier..
Jason Pruitt says
Kara was truly a remarkable person and a wonderful colleague. I attended several Netvue conferences with her during my time at Carthage. She was a great collaborator and a wonderful voice of reason. She will be truly missed. Heartfelt prayers go out to her family, friends and members of the community who were influenced by her. There were many!!
Shari Higgins says
Pastor Kara will be sadly missed from Vernon Lutheran Church in Mukwonago. She could light up a room with her smile and just made everyone comfortable.
We were blessed to have her preach at Vernon on several different occasions.
Love, Peace and Strength to the family.
We LOVE you Pastor Kara!
Ellen Hauser says
Kara, you were a bright light that came into Maya and my lives as soon as you arrived in Racine in 2000. I valued your friendship and help during those early years, and you were a wonderful role model for Maya. Your energy and love shined all over Carthage, and all of us were the better for having you there. We will miss you greatly.
Carrie Singer says
Kara was a wonderful housemate at the Urban Servant Corps in Denver! She was a strong leader with a warm heart and I am better for having known her and value our year together in community. Sending my love and prayers to friends and family and all who loved Kara! Carrie Phillips Singer
Gabriela Pettit says
Cherish the experiences shared. Love the memories. My condolences.
Barb Rasmussen says
Kara it was a privilege to serve at Mount Pleasant with you for 14 years. You were so enjoyable to work with, you inspired me to strive to be a better person. I pray your legacy will live on, and on. Such a beautiful soul.
Susan Harte says
I was Blessed to have met Kara through Team Phoenix.
We trained for 14 weeks and many did their first Sprint Triathlon. Many times we would start with a Prayer 🙏 Kara would always have the perfect words to invoke God’s Grace upon us, her Team Phoenix Sisters 💜🧡
Kara has left a big hole in our heart 💔 . I will always carry my memories of her and hold Kara in my heart ❤️ Peace and Love to her entire family, especially Trenton, Thea and Tova.
Nancy Sander says
Kara was a true role model and inspiration to my children when they were in her confirmation classes and youth group. She left this Earth much too soon. Much love to her family.
Joscelyn Ladendorf says
Heaven now has a beautiful soul. Kara was an important part of my spiritual growth while I was a student at Carthage. I am forever grateful for her gift of guidance she had given me during that time. I will cherish those memories for the rest of my life.
Terry and David Backmann says
We remember when Kara came to Mount Pleasant Lutheran as a young pastor and watched her develop into an excellent sermonist and woman of great character. She lived life fully and fought hard through her medical ordeals. We extend our sympathy to Trenton, Thea and Tova and Kara’s family in Chippewa Falls. Although she was with us for too short a time on Earth, she touched so many lives and made us all think about the many wrongs in our society. She also taught us to appreciate all the wonderful things. We are grateful she was part of our lives.
Kathy and Steve Mudroch says
Kara, you were called to the shores of Lake Michigan to be Christianity’s lighthouse guiding us through treacherous waters and into safe harbor. Seeing you, talking with you, knowing that you are part of our lives has made us better human beings. Because of you, we can boldly say, “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”. Rest peacefully with our savior, and continue to guide us in all that we do.
Jerry & Carol Way says
Roger & Marilyn have been dear friends and mentors for us for many years. We first got to know Kara when she was middle school age through Marilyn’s youth musicals at Our Saviour’s. We watched her grow during her high school years in the Ch-Hi music department and eventually saw one of her earliest sermons as an ordained minister at Our Saviour’s. Roger presented her with his “hand-seeder” he had often used as an aid in sermons on “sowing good seeds.” Kara shred tears of joy and we were all deeply touched by her love for her parents, also so beautiful to see at Marilyn’s memorial service. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Kara’s family.
Laura Luehr says
Pastor Kara went to court with Robb and I when we were trying to adopt Travis. She sat with us for a few hours and was a very calming force in a very stressful situation. She will be missed.
Sue Steinbrueck, Bob, David says
Kara brought her sunny disposition to everything she did. Our sons were greatly impacted by her, especially during confirmation camp. They are grown men now and her positive influence will live on in them throughout their lives.
Kris Johnsen says
There are too many memories to post here having known Kara for over twenty years but there’s one that comes to mind first. As a junior in college, I was asked to chaperone the youth group trip to BWCA. As the 3 different groups were getting ready to go their separate ways from base camp, her group headed out before mine. I remember running to catch her quick before they left to ask her something to the effect of “What about if gay stuff comes up? What am I allowed to say?” I remember her response being something along the lines of “I trust you to make the right decision.” That was her to a T. The church is a place for all of us & she encouraged people to bring their whole selves long before that was popular. Gone too soon, I know she will be there in spirit as the work of channeling righteous anger towards social justice continues. #pissedoffpastor