Karen A Seipel

Karen Seipel, age 68, a resident of Appleton, entered eternal rest on Monday, May 16, 2022, after over 4 years of successfully minimizing the effects of her second battle with breast cancer.  

She was born on August 20, 1953 in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Anthony and Dorothy (Roberts) Dvorachek. On October 13, 1973, she married Duane Seipel at St. Mary's Church in Reedsville.  

Karen was an exceptionally loving, kind, and caring individual. She was a constant source of support and encouragement for her family, a steadying force for her husband amid the stresses of his job and a proud mother to Michelle and Nicholas.  She was the motivation behind her children receiving piano lessons at an early age, and she always enjoyed going to concerts and productions where they performed. 

Karen was an active volunteer and member of St. Bernadette's Church. In 2014, Karen retired from her position as the Food Service Director for the Kimberly Area School District, after 20 years of service in the district.  She loved to travel, and at that time, she and her husband had already visited all the U.S. states and Canadian provinces. They proceeded to travel to all seven continents.

She and Duane would often be seen around their neighborhood on one of their twice daily walks.  Karen loved taking care of their granddaughter Odessa, always on the lookout for new toys, books and puzzles to share with her.

Survivors include her husband Duane Seipel, Appleton; two children, Michelle Seipel, of New York City; Nicholas (Jessica) Seipel of Fox Crossing; one grandchild, Odessa Seipel of Fox Crossing; three brothers, Jim (Mary) Dvorachek of Manitowoc; Larry (Debbie) Dvorachek of Whitelaw; Alan Dvorachek of Michigan; one sister, Jennifer (Ray) Decker of Manitowoc; one sister-in-law, and Irene Dvorachek of New Holstein; Duane’s family; sisters-in-law Janice Nadler of Chilton, Rose Ann (Jerry) Koehler of Newton, and Duane’s twin sister Darlene (Don) Tenpas of Crivitz, brother-in-law Larry (Cathie) Seipel of Chilton and many nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Dorothy Dvorachek; one brother, Jerry Dvorachek; as well as Duane’s parents Herman and Rosemary Seipel, Duane’s brother Dennis (Karen) Seipel, and one brother-in-law John Nadler.

There will be a Funeral Mass on Friday May 27, 2022 at 11:00am at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2331 East Lourdes Drive in Appleton with Fr. Joe Dorner officiating. There will be visitation on Thursday May 26, 2022 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm at Jansen Fargo Funeral Home of Kimberly. Visitation will continue on Friday morning from 10:00am until the time of the service. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton. For more information and to express condolences, please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.

A special thank you to all the staff at the Cancer Center, fourth floor cancer care at St. Elizabeth Hospital, and Compassus Hospice Care.