Karen J. Tischer

Karen Jean Tischer, 57, of La Crosse died peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Sunday March 1, 2015 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. She was born October 5, 1957 in Viroqua to Ralph and Evelyn (Gronvold) Dahlen. Karen was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Cashton and confirmed at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. She graduated from Westby High School in 1975. Karen graduated from Western Technical College in 1977 with an Associate's Degree in Nursing and completed her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Viterbo University in 2008, an accomplishment she was extremely proud of. On April 30, 1982, Karen married Thomas Tischer at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Karen was a natural born caregiver and carried this trait with her throughout her personal and professional life. She began her professional career at Gundersen Health System in 1977, where she worked up until 1999 as a Registered Nurse. From 1999 until 2002, she served as the Director of Nursing at Bethany Riverside Nursing Home in La Crosse. In 2002, she returned to Gundersen Health System as the Clinical Manager of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, a job that inspired and motivated her because of the wonderful co-workers, staff, and patients that kept her going every day.

Karen was an active member of the Coon Valley Lutheran Church, where she served as Parish Nurse. She was also part of the Social Ministry Committee, Prayer Shawl group, WELCA and the South Ridge Circle. She was a member of the Pi Phi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Karen was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, her Cocker Spaniels, reading and flower gardening.

Survivors include her husband Thomas; 2 daughters, Amanda (Jason) Buros and Ashley (Brent Sacia); granddaughter Jocelyn Buros; her mother Evelyn Dahlen all of La Crosse; aunts, uncles and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph in 1982.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday March 6, 2015 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until service time. Online condolences may be offered at selandsfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be given to the Coon Valley Lutheran Church.