Kären Weisensel Richgruber
ARDEN HILLS, MN—Kären Weisensel Richgruber of Arden Hills, Minn., age 70, died March 20, 2024 at a Miami, Florida hospital when her weakened immune system following chronic health issues could not overcome a brief illness she experienced while traveling with her husband in the Florida Keys. She was born September 27, 1953, in La Crosse, Wis., the oldest of Ruthmae and Charles Weisensel’s four children. She attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School, then Aquinas High School, where she was actively involved in Girl Scouts and student government, played cornet in the band and was a high academic achiever, graduating in 1971 as a member of the National Honor Society. Her first job was as a part-time intern at the La Crosse Public Library, which began her lifetime of employment and commitment to public libraries. Influenced by her own drive and shifting societal expectations opening new career opportunities for women at the time, Kären enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she received a bachelor’s degree in English literature followed by a master of arts degree in library science in 1976. Following graduation, she married Randy Richgruber, a Sparta, Wis. native she met in college, and relocated to the Chicago area, where she held three library jobs before returning to Madison as editor of Children’s Magazine Guide. In 1984 she began work at the Duluth, Minn. public library’s children’s department, later managing library community services. During this time she and Randy raised their son, Karl, born in 1986. Kären was a long-time, active and award-winning member of the American Library Assn. She was an avid reader and early adopter of digital technology, burning through half a dozen e-readers in her later years. Karen possessed a dynamic intellect, as well as a lively personality that challenged out-moded clichés of quiet librarians. She was a creative person who loved color, expressing her flair in clothing, tablescapes, holiday and birthday gifts and jewelry-making. Karen enjoyed attending UW Badger football games with her spouse and hosting parties for friends and family.
She is survived by her husband, Randy; son, Karl; two sisters, Wendy K. (David W. Marshall) and Sara E. Weisensel; brother, Mark C. Weisensel (Teri) and nephew Jack; as well as other valued relatives and friends.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation in Sparta, Wis. is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.schanhoferfh.com.
March
Ladies Classmate Luncheon
Rose reported the February Ladies Classmate Luncheon was fun. Some invitees had to cancel because if illness but with Spring approaching, more ladies will be anxious to adventure out for a fun filled luncheon.
The next Ladies Classmate Luncheon is Monday March 18, 2024, Schmidty's Bar & Restaurant, 3119 State Rd, La Crosse, at 12:30 p.m.
Any questions contact Rose Servais (Tydrich) Email: rosetydrich@gmail.com
A message from Rose Tydrich (Servais).
Hi everyone. We have Zip drives of Dan Marcou's PowerPoint available for sale for $30. Checks can be made out to Aquinas Class of 71 and mailed to my address:
Rose Tydrich
617 Riders Club Rd
Onalaska WI 54650
When your check is received, the zip drive will be mailed to you.
Aquinas Class of '71
50th Reunion
was a HUGE SUCCESS!
The events were well attended. There were a few surprise attendees and all had lots of stories and laughter! Photos of the weekend are in the Photo Gallery at the top of the left hand menu. If anyone has more photos, or stories to share from the weekend, please email to me (Paul Pierce). I'll add them to the web site.
Thursday Moon Tunes at Riverside Park had lots of good music and few mosquitos. Joe and Ann Kotnour setup the popup canopy and sign, as our beacon. We also had some “Class of 1970” folks stop to say hi.
Friday at Carly's/Big Al's was awesome! Very well attended also. Food was hot, drinks were cold and stories were elaborate, to say the least.
Saturday golf at Forest Hill's had a great weather day. The foursome of John Kacner, Mike Desmond, Paul Barton and Greg Pederson won the best ball scramble with a low score of 6 under par. Thanks to Jerry DeBoer, Bill Bettis and Mike Desmond for organizing the golf.
The Saturday Grand Finale at Piggy's Restaurant was well attended and the food was great! Dan Marcou's Power Point presentation of all class members pictures, ran continuously through the evening. Thanks Dan for the great work on that! After the social hour we were led in pre-dinner prayer by Sister Mary Ann Gschwind. We also had a short Aquinas Schools update from Ted Knutson, President – Aquinas Schools. Also in attendance was former teachers, Dave Reinders, Mary Ann Braithwaite and Sister Mary Ann. John Kacner was awarded the Grand Prize Golf Trophy and Organizing Committee members were recognized.
The committee would like to thank all that contributed to the great success of our 50th Reunion. Either with ideas, actions or attendance, it all made for a great weekend.
Sadly many of our classmates are suffering and far too many have passed. We are grateful for those who were able to attend this year and miss all who were unable to attend. We offer prayers to all.
Watch for any updates that may be added (pictures, storie, etc.). We are hoping to do an annual Moon Tunes gathering so watch for those updates. Keep in contact thru the web site.
Paul Pierce
Reunion committee members.
Joe Kotnour email: joanko34@aol.com
Rose Servais (Tydrich) email: rosetydrich@gmail.com
Paul Pierce email: Munchkinusnavy@yahoo.com
Anita Pahl (Young) email: enayoung@centurylink.net
Fred Funk email: fritz@funk.io
Julie Deflorian (Keitel) email: jd.keitel@gmail.com
Mary Sauer (Paul) email: mary@scedispatch.com
Dan Marcou email:marcoudj@Charter.net
Tim Carrol
Visit the Class Store.
Did you know you can put other graphics on your purchases? How about your family name? It's OK as long as it is not a licensed logo/graphic.
.jpg)
