Karen Curtis

Karen Curtis, 77, passed away on March 12, 2018 surrounded by her family. She was born on January 20, 1941 to Harold and Bernice Blanchard. Karen was a graduate of Oshkosh High School. She was married to Bruce Curtis and together they had two children. Karen worked as a clerk for E & B Clean and Steam. She was most proud of her work for the Salvation Army. She did many things there including working as a clerk in the store, playing the organ, ringing bells, and she was a part of the women’s group and the Sunbeams. Karen loved parades, both crossword and jigsaw puzzles and could often be found outside people watching. She was a devoted caregiver to her brother, Duane for 23 years and also helped her sisters. Karen loved going out with her sisters a couple times a week for either soup or breakfast at local restaurants.
She is survived by her children, Michael and Lynn Curtis; five brothers, Darrell, Duane, Marvin (Jean), Ronald, and Timothy Blanchard; five sisters, Nedeen Curtis, Joyce (Robert) Wiles, Gail (Daniel) Carrick, June Zentner, and Pamela (Clyde) Gruse; brothers-in-law, Keith (Marge) Curtis and Jim (Pam) Curtis, sister-in-law, Carol Guenther; and many nieces and nephews. We would also like to acknowledge Paula Gerritsen and Lisa Langkau because of how special they were to Karen; she considered them her adoptive daughters.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Bernice; ex-husband, Bruce; brothers-in-law, Orvis “Merle” Curtis, John Zentner, and Franklin Guenther; sister-in-law, Catherine Blanchard; and special friend, Marion Hartmann.
A memorial service will be held at the Oshkosh Salvation Army, 417 Algoma Blvd, on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 11:30 AM. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Matthew Fischer and his staff, also the staff in the ICU and Floor 2 at Aurora Medical Center for the excellent care they gave to Karen.