Karen Allen
May 19, 1935 - September 26, 2024
Karen Elizabeth Allen of Chippewa Falls, WI passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024, at The Classic at Hillcrest Greens in Altoona, WI at the age of 89. Karen was born May 19, 1935, the daughter of Clarence H. and Jean E. Hapke in Milwaukee, WI. She graduated from Wauwatosa East High School in 1952 and Carroll University in 1956 and was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority.
On June 30, 1956, Karen married Robert J. Allen at St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Milwaukee, WI -- a union that spanned 68 years. In 1980, they moved their family to Chippewa Falls where Karen continued to be a loving mother to her four children, as well as continuing her participation in garden club activities with the Lake Wissota Garden Club. For more than 40 years, she was an active participant in local and state club activities and was the recipient of the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation Lydia Shaffer Award for Distinctive Achievement and/or Service to the Federation. In addition, Karen was awarded National Garden Club Emeritus status as a Master Flower Show Judge and as a Landscape Design Consultant. Karen also found time to serve on the Board of the historic Cook Rutledge Mansion both as a member and chair. One project Karen was most passionate about at the Mansion was being part of the creation and maintenance of a garden, with the help of members of the Lake Wissota Garden Club, using flowers and plant materials appropriate to the Victorian period of the Mansion. Karen was also a member of Chapter AB International P.E.O. Sisterhood – Chippewa Falls.
Karen was a member of Christ Church Cathedral in Eau Claire serving as a member of the Vestry, Altar Guild and Flower Guild. She enjoyed using her talents as a floral designer to create altar arrangements for Sunday and weekday services. She enjoyed the opportunity to create special arrangements and floral displays for major festival days, particularly Easter and Christmas.
Other activities that Karen found time for included coordinating Fine Art and Craft Shows in the Spring and Fall at Stonewood Village in Brookfield, WI which featured over 50 artists whose original works were juried for quality and appropriateness. She also taught courses in Floral Design and Arranging and worked full-time as an activity director at a retirement community.
With all the things that Karen engaged in, her greatest gift was her love and concern for each member of our family and the traditions she created for all of us. Creating magic at Christmas was one of her incredible gifts. The house reflected how special this season was for Karen with decorations both inside and outside the home, two Christmas trees decorated in two separate themes, floral arrangements, and pine roping inside and out. Karen brought the entire family together over traditional meals for Christmas Eve and Day. Karen’s love for the family showed in the beautiful way she hosted Easter, Thanksgiving, the 4th of July and those traditions will remain strong in our extended family’s memories of Karen.
Karen is survived by her husband Robert, her four children, James (Claudia French) Allen, Christine (Paul) McGinnis. Richard (Lisa) Allen, Elizabeth (David) Hartz, 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and sister Lynne (James) Goheen.
A funeral service will take place at Christ Church Cathedral, 510 South Farwell, Eau Claire, WI on Wednesday October 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior to the service and lunch to follow. Inurnment will occur at a later date (TBD)
Memorials may be made to Christ Church Cathedral or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.
