Obituary: Karen Elizabeth (Schmidt) Mathews

Karen Elizabeth (Schmidt) Mathews, 73, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loving family, on Sunday, November 22, 2015.

Karen demonstrated grace and courage after she was diagnosed recently with neuroendocrine cancer that had metastasized to her liver; while that disease ultimately took her life, it could not claim her spirit, and we will always remember her generosity, strong work ethic, and empathetic and kind nature.

Born October 11, 1942, in Delhi, Iowa, to LaSalle (“Buster”) and Gertrude (Ilten) Schmidt, Karen was baptized November 1, 1942, at Trinity Lutheran Church (Cedar Rapids, IA), and later confirmed in the Lutheran faith on March 25, 1956, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Delaware, IA). She enjoyed her childhood in Delhi, and graduated from Maquoketa Valley High School in 1960. Karen received an A.A. degree in 1962 from Cottey College in Nevada, MO, before graduating with a B.A. degree and Certificate of Dental Hygiene in 1965 from University of Iowa College of Dentistry in Iowa City, IA.

On June 5, 1964, she married Dr. Larry J. Mathews, a dentist and classmate of hers at the University of Iowa, and moved to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, in June 1967, after Larry completed his service with the U.S. Naval Dental Corps in Great Lakes, IL. Karen helped Larry establish his dental practice, and their marriage, which later dissolved in 1989, was blessed with three children – Heidi, Joel, and Joshua. She thrived in Door County, appreciated the unique beauty of her natural surroundings, and enjoyed not only the community in which she lived, but also the Green Bay Packers from down the road; game days were never quiet around her house!

Active over the years in many community organizations, Karen volunteered most recently with Ministry DCMC Dental Clinic and also worked for many years as a dental hygienist for two dentists in Sturgeon Bay. She was an active member of the P.E.O. dating back to her early twenties, and her membership in that organization (both the Sturgeon Bay (DF) and Wisconsin State Chapters) blessed her with many close and enduring friendships. Above all, though, she loved her family and was authentic to herself – not only as a skilled gardener, cook, woodworker, and stained glass artist, but as a reliable wiper-of-tears and singer-of-lullabies.

Karen/Mom/Grandma will be forever remembered not only for her pies, breads, cookies, and jams, but also her beautifully-designed and cared for hosta and flower beds, creative designs and personal musings around the house, and her appreciation for the simple things in life. And, most especially with regard to her grandchildren, Grandma Karen had a never-ending supply of hugs, kisses, snacks, the gift of time, and love. As to all of us, there was never a moment she would not “parachute in” to help when needed. Karen was truly a loyal and loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who touched many lives in a positive and meaningful way. We all will miss her dearly and more than words can say.

Karen is survived by her mother, Gertrude Schmidt of Cedar Rapids, IA; her three children, Heidi (John) Kapacinskas of Edina, MN, Joel (Jennifer Hobart) of Sturgeon Bay, WI, and Joshua (Ashley Brock) of Berkeley, CA; seven grandchildren, Andrew, Robert, and Kathryn Kapacinskas, and Oliver, Finn, Henry, and Leo Mathews; her sister, Kathleen Renquist of Iowa City, IA; her niece and nephew, Seth (Michi) Renquist of Okinawa, Japan, and Raili (Matt) Neibauer of Fort Collins, CO; many aunts, uncles; and cousins; and her beloved Scottie dog and sidekick, Baxter. She was preceded in death by her father, LaSalle (“Buster”) Schmidt; her past husband, Dr. Larry Mathews; her grandparents; and other uncles, aunts; and cousins.

The family would like to thank all of those who supported Karen (and us) during these last few months after Karen’s unexpected cancer diagnosis. Relatives and friends of Karen and her family are invited to attend Karen’s funeral service in memory of her life to be held Saturday, November 28, 2015, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (108 Maple Street), Sturgeon Bay, WI, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception and light luncheon immediately following at Stone Harbor Resort (107 N. 1st Avenue), Sturgeon Bay, WI. There will also be a visitation at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. preceding the funeral. Burial will be at a later date in Delhi, IA. Arrangements will be provided by Huehns Funeral Home and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ministry Door County Medical Center Dental Clinic. Condolences and guestbook signing may be offered at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.