Karen E. Jaeger

Karen Eileen Jaeger, age 84, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 17, 2025, under the warm and compassionate care of St. Croix Hospice and her family.

Karen was born on August 9, 1940, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, to Myron and Gladys (Hagen) Ottum. A dedicated nurse and caregiver, Karen graduated from Walworth (Wisconsin) High School in 1958 and went on to earn her nursing degree from Milwaukee Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in 1961. She began her nursing career at Milwaukee Lutheran Hospital.

On December 29, 1962, Karen married John G. Jaeger in Walworth. The couple later moved to Madison, where Karen worked in orthopedics at Madison General Hospital. As their family grew, Karen devoted herself to raising their children. She later returned to nursing, working in home healthcare and on the Rehabilitation floor at Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse.

Karen was a faithful and active member of Faith Lutheran Church in La Crosse, participating in choir, Bible study, and numerous service and social activities. She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and genuine care for others.

Karen is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, John Jaeger of La Crosse; and their four children: John (April) Jaeger of Coon Valley, and their children: Karalyn Pagel, John M., and Alex; James Jaeger of Madison; Peter (Dannie) Jaeger of Madison, and their children: Renata, Mae Harris, Christian, and Jayquan; Sarah (Preston) Paul of Eau Claire, and their children: Abigail, Hannah Heer, Rebekah Fosse, Nathaniel, and Isaac; she is also survived by one great-grandchild, Henry Fosse, son of her granddaughter Rebekah Fosse; five siblings: David Ottum, Bill (Marilyn) Ottum, Christine (Larry) March, Sandra (Richard) Hirsch, and Terry Ottum; and many nieces, nephews, and other dear relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Gladys Ottum, her identical twin sister, Kathryn Hoffman, an infant daughter born sleeping and by three children lost in pregnancy, whom she lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church in La Crosse or Knutson Memorial Library in Coon Valley, in memory of Karen.

A funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 1407 Main St., La Crosse, on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jacob Eichers officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley, and again from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the church. Interment will follow the service and luncheon at the Coon Prairie Lutheran Cemetery in Westby. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.