Marilyn Karch
January 6, 2020
Marilyn Karch, age 92 of Baraboo, passed
away on Friday, January 3, 2020 at St. Clare Hospital. Marilyn Karch was
born in Viola, Wisconsin in 1927, the third of four children to cheesemakers
Derward and Eva Lepley. After enduring some tough times in the Depression, the
family moved from the country to Milwaukee and Marilyn attended the very large
Western Division High School, where she finished at the top of her class. An
English teacher thought so much of Marilyn’s intellect and ability that she
organized scholarships for Marilyn to attend Downer College. Marilyn wanted to
be a nurse so she transferred to Madison General Hospital Nursing School,
graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. She was introduced
by her roommate to musician and law student Jim Karch, and they were married in
1953 before moving to Baraboo where she worked as a nurse at St. Mary’s
Ringling Hospital. In another time or
place, she might have continued her nursing career uninterrupted, but with five
children at home she left work to raise them. Her middle child, Kim, died of
leukemia when 5 years old, a loss that stayed with Marilyn all her life. She
strongly encouraged her children to study hard, to think for themselves, and to
recognize the sometimes harsh realities of human society. Overcoming her
discomfort with conflict or speaking up, she became a contributor to and leader
in community, church, and school organizations. Marilyn had a strong circle of
friends who appreciated her giving nature, intelligence, and quick wit. She returned to
nursing when her children were able to take care of themselves and worked for
many years at Jefferson Meadows and St. Clare Hospital. Marilyn and Jim took
advantage of their empty nest to spend several years in Northern Wisconsin near
Crandon, in addition to much time camping with a RoadTrek Van, including a
summer living and working at Old Faithful in Yellowstone. She also spent a lot
of time with grandchildren, on trips, attending sporting and music events, playing
games and providing much needed extra help to granddaughters with special needs. Marilyn loved to
read classics, novels, and mysteries, and instilled that love in her children
and grandchildren. She also loved birds, wild flowers and spending time outdoors
hiking and gardening. Marilyn and Jim liked to help others in many ways large
and small, including delivering Meals on Wheels and volunteering with both
local and international Habitat for Humanity. Marilyn was preceded
in death by her parents; her brothers, Don and Derward; sister, Jeannie;
daughter, Kim. She is survived by her husband,
Jim; sons, Gary (Ann Beal), Glen Ellyn, IL, Paul (Anne Sontag), Madison, WI, Julie
(Doug Matthews), San Diego, CA, and Sharon (John Nielsen), Woodbury, MN; grandchildren,
David (Brynn), Aaron, Rachel, Lydia, Sam (Kate) and Chas (Sally) Karch, Mark
and Russell Matthews, Paul and Beth Nielsen; and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at
First Presbyterian Church, 416 Ash St., Baraboo, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday,
January 9, 2020 preceded by visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Reverend
Lisa Newberry will be presiding. The family suggests that donations in lieu of
flowers be made to First Presbyterian Church of Baraboo or Friends of Devil’s
Lake. Baldwin Funeral Services, 520 East St., Baraboo, is assisting the family
with arrangements.
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