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Karen Probst Obituary
Karen Elizabeth Probst, age 61, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 12, 2014. Karen was born in Beloit, WI on April 8, 1953 to parents Aubrey and Elizabeth Wood. She was an honors graduate of U.W. Madison.
Karen was a Reference Librarian with the Appleton Public Library for 36 years until her recent retirement. Until her serious fight with cancer this summer, she was a board member of the Fox Valley Literacy Council and the Appleton Historical Society, as well as a member of PEO. Karen was a lifelong active musician. In recent years, she was an organist, accompanist and bell choir member at Immanual UCC in Kaukauna.
She is survived by her husband, William Probst; two sons, Robert (Erin) Probst of Madison and Michael (Leah) Probst of Milwaukee; and a granddaughter, Evelyn Probst, also of Madison. Karen is also survived by her mother, Elizabeth Wood; a sister, Judy (Steve) Rumchik; and a brother, Robert (Pam) Wood.
She was preceded in death by her father, Aubrey Wood and a sister, Susan Davis.
A memorial service is being planned in October. A memorial fund is being planned in lieu of flowers.
She was a lover of music, books, and all things cat. But, above all else, she loved her family first.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Probst
July 7, 2015
Several months ago I had been contacted by an old high school friend and we met for a dinner some 39 years after our last time together. We reminisced about growing up in Beloit and wondered what had happened to the people we had known during those years. Karen's name came up during the discussion and I decided to try and contact her sometime this year. Using social media I was able to find her Facebook account and noticed that her last entry was in March of 2014. Recently I returned to Facebook and observed that the last entry date had not changed which sent up a red flag and, through further searching, found her obituary online. I feel a deep sorrow and sadness and would like to express my sympathy to her family.
I first met Karen when she entered the 7th grade at Lincoln Junior high school. We both played the cello in the school orchestra and I was always envious of her musical talents on the piano and organ. Not only musically talented, she was also a top notch student. I have fond memories of orchestra, walking her home after classes, meeting at the ice skating rink in the winter months, football and basketball games during the school year and getting together with friends during the summer breaks from school.
I graduated in 1970 and left for college but we kept in contact with each other until the last time I saw her in the spring of 1971 - a full 44 years ago. Karen and I never communicated after that time but, from reading comments submitted by many who worked with her, it didn't sound like she had changed much from those early years. Karen was a special person in my life and I would again like to express my sadness and extend my sympathy to her family and friends.
Jim Webster
January 5, 2015
I just learned about the passing of my most dear grade school, junior high school, and high school friend. My sincerest condolences to her husband and two sons. I looked at her picture and it only took seconds to see Karen's smile once again and remember her as my best girlfriend growing up. Soooo many memories here. We lived just a block or so away. I lived on Vernon Ave and Karen lived on Highland Ave. We shared all of the goofy things that young girls did. We gossiped about others and shared boyfriend stories together. We had countless sleepovers, did phone pranks and traded clothes. We both took organ lessons from Professor Voeks at the Congregational church and had lots of funny imitations we did of him. We talked about our first kiss and our plans and dreams for the future. I remember her first job at the Beloit Public Library. My life would not be the same without all of those wonderful young girl escapades and memories. Karen was a much better organist than me and she could also play the cello so well. When I first got my driver's license she was the first person I picked up to go and get a Dairy Queen Sundae. We both liked Dairy Queen! We shared all that two young girls could share and giggled, and laughed all along the way. I'll bet her sons are strong minded, talented and with the gift of love of life that I knew Karen to have. We never saw each other after graduation from high school but if I were to write my biography Karen would be a big part. I left high school to attend college in Colorado and she to Madison. We said goodbye then but I have always thought about Karen. She, a musician, me an engineer now; both mothers. I can only imagine how wonderful her boys are, how wonderful her husband is. I've missed Karen for a long time now and I will always. God Bless your family in your loss. I guess in today's language Karen and I walked the walk, talked the talk, gossiped the gossip and shared the best of what young girls share. Karen was so pretty and smart, a part of my life. Karen, I miss you.
Betty (Sanborn) Wildey
Linda Muldoon
September 29, 2014
I couldn't think of much of anything without also thinking of Karen and her smile and bright but subtle sense of humor.. . so very much missed.
Sara Kopesky
September 24, 2014
I will miss her so deeply. I am so thankful for all the time we had to share with her. I am thankful that all the 'Mojito Sisters' didn't miss the chance to tell her how much we loved her and valued the time we had left together. She was loving and brilliant -- intellectually and musically -- and so generous toward and supportive of others. She loved trying to get me to eat licorice on an empty stomach, begged for the "Princess Playlist", shrugged off my constant advice that she slack off more at work, always encouraged me to get a mini-pack of Cheetos from the candy drawer, and constantly counseled me to get a puppy (which now I finally have done; I only wish she could have met Eddie). She trusted me with her fears. I can't believe I won't see her again. I can't believe I won't laugh and plot with her anymore. I am so thankful for all the great memories, including all those leading up to the end because it was more time together, getting to love her.
Sophia-Karin Psarras
September 23, 2014
My deepest condolences to all Karen's family! I shall never forget all her help for the 25 years I knew her at the library, nor shall I forget her warmth and her wonderful laugh.
Sandra (Millard) Beistle
September 23, 2014
My sympathy to Bill, Robert and Michael. I remember and relish the time you were at St. John's.
Linda DeNell
September 22, 2014
I just learned of Karen's passing this morning. I am very sorry to have missed saying goodbye. I worked with Karen at APL years ago, and will remember her laugh and her kindness forever.
Louise (Phillip) Cayo
September 22, 2014
I have just now learned of Karen's passing. To Bill - and all the family: I am so sorry that the light that she was is gone from this world. She was a great friend, during our shared time at APL, and after. You are all in my prayers. She is with Sukie now - eating popcorn & discussing the "Interlibrary Loan change of the week"!
September 21, 2014
Karen was a very exceptional lady. I loved working with her and will miss her deeply. She gave her ultimate expertise at work and I am sure at home for her family too. It is a very sad time and so sorry for your loss. I extend my sympathies to Bill and her sons Robert & Michael.
Fellow worker, Diane Reinke
Trish Kirk and Tim Muench
September 19, 2014
Our sympathy goes out to Karen's family. Her music plays on in heaven's light ?
Carol Lenz
September 18, 2014
Bill,
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
Jim Thaldorf
September 18, 2014
Bill, The Appleton City Band sends our prayers to you and your family.
Julia Drobeck
September 17, 2014
Sorry for your loss and ours. Karen was a funny lady and enjoyed events and meetings I was at with her for Fox Valley Literacy Council. May all your happy memories help you get through this sad time.
Tony Wieczorek
September 17, 2014
I will miss Karen for her honesty, directness, humor, and common sense. All too rare in today's world. Gone too soon but not forgotten.
Sue McCanney
September 17, 2014
Bill,
I'm so sorry on your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Jeanette Plutz
September 16, 2014
It is with a very heavy heart that I have to say goodbye to a very special friend. A friend who, for over 20 yrs, has consoled me through broken hearts, celebrated with me when I finally met "the one" and then played beautiful songs for our Wedding. A friend who counseled me through the struggles to have my babies, rejoiced with me when those babies finally came and treated them with love and kindness throughout their young lives. Her knowledge was the power behind the Appleton Public Library's Reference Dept for decades and those of us who were lucky enough to learn from her will be forever grateful. I will think of you often, especially when the first snow falls and will miss you always. Thank you for being my friend, mentor and a fellow Mojito Sister! My life is better for having you in it!
September 16, 2014
My sympathies to Bill, Robert, and Michael. I worked with Karen the entire time I was at APL. She was such fun to work with. She provided high quality service to APL patrons. Her death is a loss to the community.
Cece Wiltzius
Wendy Dearborn
September 16, 2014
Very sorry for the loss of Karen. She was an outstanding musician, especially on the piano. She along with her husband Bill put in years of faithful service to the music part of the services at the Immanuel United Church in Kaukauna.
She will be missed.
Carol Maynard
September 16, 2014
Sorry to hear of your loss. Karen made a mark in the hearts of the choir at St. John UCC where she was part of the music leadership along with her husband for many years. Wonderful lady.
September 16, 2014
My sympathy goes out to you during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Zak
Lee Davis
September 16, 2014
Bill and family, my sympathy on your loss.
Ana Wilson
September 15, 2014
My prayers and thoughts are with her family. Rest in Peace.
September 15, 2014
I am sorry to hear of your loss. You have our sympathy. Karen was a special person. We have many fond memories of library days.
Carole and .Aaron De Jardin
September 15, 2014
Karen was a long-standing member of the Board of Directors of the Fox Valley Literacy Council. The organization benefited enormously from her service, not only because of her passion for reading and learning, but because of her sharp intellect and sense of humor. She could always be counted on to use logic, see issues clearly, and make make intelligent decisions. My heartfelt sympathy to her family. I will miss her very much.
Christine Cheevers
Kathy Brown
September 15, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
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