Karen Gordon

Karen Gordon, age 63, passed away surrounded by her family on April 16, 2014, after a brief illness at the Appleton Medical Center. She was born on May 12, 1950, in Appleton, the daughter of the late Allan and Annette (Maher) Sonkowsky. Karen graduated from Appleton East High School in 1968 and went on to earn an LPN degree from the Fox Valley Technical Institute. On January 3, 1969, Karen married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Guy Gordon. Guy passed away in 2012.

Karen enjoyed many things throughout her life; she loved to bake and share her famous cookies and pies, crocheting as well as knitting, gardening, and working with children in the church nursery. She loved her careers as both a nurse and a truck driver and she also enjoyed traveling. She was a foster parent for ten children over nine years. Above all, her passion was her Lord and her family. She cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Karen will be deeply missed by her children: Eden, Shane (Christi), Kim (Tyler) Dorn, and daughter-of-the-heart Tonya (Charlie) Benbo; her grandkids: Toni, Derek, Katrina, Sean, and Katelyn; grandkids-of-the-heart: Cori, Michelle, Tanner, Ericka, Rachel, Colleen, Payton, and Nolan. She will also be missed by her siblings: Susan Rothlisberg, Steve (Barb) Sonkowsky, and Gene (Debbie) Sonkowsky; her mother-in-law Lois and step father-in-law Bob; brother-in-laws: Dave (Kathy) and Troy (Shawn), and sister-in-laws: Pam (Brian Marsceau), Trudy (John) Trader, Traci (Jim) Seidling, and Deb (Greg) Norman; along with everyone else on the planet that knew and loved her. There were no strangers, just friends she hasn't met yet!

She was greeted in heaven by her best friend and lifelong companion, Guy Gordon, her parents, Allan and Annette, Uncle Ski, and many others that happily welcomed her home.

The memorial service for Karen will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2014, at Pathways Church, 311 West Evergreen Drive. Friends and family may visit at the CHURCH from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. DRESS HAPPY. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com

Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Appleton Medical Center ICU especially Roger, Ardis, Sandra, and Dena.

LUMU, hugs all around!