Karen Jean Ostrowski's Obituary
Karen Jean Ostrowski of Rosholt passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on March 28, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1945, to the late Pat and Connie Pitt. Karen grew up in Amherst Junction, a community she cherished throughout her life. She graduated from Amherst High School in 1963 and earned a Bachelor's Degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1967. On October 28, 1967, Karen married Bob (or "Robert" when she was mad!) Ostrowski. During their 58 years of marriage, they welcomed five daughters, eight grandchildren, and countless beagles that Bob was certain she "just had to have."
Early in her career, Karen enjoyed teaching for several years until the arrival of her fifth daughter. She later returned to the workforce as a rural mail carrier in Amherst Junction. She served the USPS for over 30 years, retiring in 2004. Karen spent her life appreciating nature and the many gifts it offered through landscapes and animals. Each spring, she eagerly awaited her "Bird Reports" from daughters living south of her, so she knew when to expect her own birds to return. No matter the weather, she made sure her feeders were full. Retirement brought countless trips around the country with Bob, where they enjoyed sightseeing and discovering the local wildlife and natural beauty at each destination.
Blessed with a green thumb, Karen tended her flower gardens year after year. Though never one to boast, she delighted in giving tours of the blooms that made her proud. She was especially fond of her indoor orchids, which she coaxed into reblooming again and again. Cooking and baking brought Karen tremendous joy, and she loved sharing her creations with family and friends around town. She took pride in keeping her Norwegian, German, and Polish traditions alive through food, teaching her daughters and grandchildren the recipes she held dear. Each year around Thanksgiving, she made pounds and pounds of lefse. And if you were lucky, during Lent you received a bag of her paczki, perfected from her mother in law's recipe.
Karen was a dedicated member of the Amherst Junction Woman's Club for more than 50 years and also served as District President for the GFWC. She found great fulfillment in giving back to her community and supporting women and children around the world.
Karen is lovingly survived by her husband, Bob; daughters Sue (Mark), Nancy, Paula (Pat), Bobbi (Lee), and Erin (Charlie); eight grandchildren-Andrew, Brooke, Emelia, Finn, Eden, Kade, Ashe, and Coco; her beloved beagle, June Bug; several grandpuppies and grandkitties; and her lifelong friend, Linda P. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers John and Roger; infant sister Mary; her in laws Emil and Isabel Ostrowski; brother in law Richard Ostrowski; and sisters in law Wendy Ostrowski and Judi Pitt.
To know Karen was to love her. Her kindness, generosity, and sense of humor made her one of a kind. The family would like to thank the staff at UW Health for the compassionate care they provided to Karen over the last three years. Per her request, a private family service will be held. If you would like to honor Karen please donate to a cause near and dear to your heart.
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