Karen J. Draeger

Karen J. Draeger, 65, Mosinee, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, with all her children virtually by her side, was welcomed into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

She was born June 29, 1956, in Edgar, the daughter of the late Reinhard and Marion Draeger (Stack). She married John Griesmer on May 6, 1978, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Wausau. The two later went their separate ways, but together had four beautiful children who were Karen’s entire life.

Karen grew up on a dairy farm in Edgar and at age 9, moved to Marathon (Rib Falls) where her hard work and motherly instinct began as she worked endless hours on the farm and cared for her younger siblings.

Karen worked at Holiday Inn, Fiskars, Northwest Fabrics, and Marathon Cheese throughout her working years, where she made countless friends and even got to work alongside some of her siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Karen was a loving mother whose most favorite time of her life was when she was a stay-at-home mom with her children. During that time, she devoted her time to her children, their activities, volunteer time at the Church and school, and coaching soccer. She was deeply devoted to the Catholic faith and often spread the word of God’s miracles and Our Lady of Medjugorje. Karen was an incredibly talented seamstress, creating joy with her crafts, quilts, and other creations. She has helped many friends and family with mending, dress alterations, costumes, Christmas tree skirts and so much more. She also enjoyed baking, reading, crafting, singing, visiting, card and board games, endless hours of talking on the phone while she sat outside in the sun, and most importantly quality family time.

Survivors include her four children: Kelly (Joseph) Swetlik, Green Bay; Russell (Danielle) Griesmer, Minneapolis; Jacob Griesmer, Mosinee; Leah (Joshua) Krzanowski, Mosinee. Six grandchildren: Step-grandson Payton Swetlik, Crystal and Cameron Kloos; Landon, Kipton, and Nolan Krzanowski. Ten siblings: Judy (John) Hummer, Edgar; Wayne (Jenifer) Draeger, Weston; Alan (Tina Wiesneski) Draeger, Marathon; Donna (Mark) Weber, Marshfield; James (Sandy) Draeger, Marathon; June (Dennis) Bornheimer, Athens; Dennis (JoAnn) Draeger, Marathon; Susan (Carl) Yessa, Edgar; Larry (Marivie) Draeger, Marathon; Bonnie (Bruce) Jahnke, Marathon. A special friend, Keith Wosick, Nekoosa. Nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Reinhard and Marion Draeger.

Services will be at 12 noon Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Donald Meuret will officiate. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Mosinee. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Friday until time of services at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.

If you would like to plant a tree, in Karen’s name, please go to www.alivingtribute.org.