Karen Marie Scheppke

On February 7, 2025, Karen Marie Auck Scheppke (nicknamed Puddy), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 75 at home in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.

Born on April 8,1949, to (mother and father's names), Karen grew up in Portage, Wisconsin. She graduated from Portage High and Madison College. She married her loving husband, Gary G. Scheppke, in (1970) and they had two children, Gary Jr. and Marci.

They lived in Loganville and Middleton until 1988, When Karen's family moved to Novato, California, where Karen spent many years as an elementary school Office Manager. At school, she created a safe haven for every child no matter what problem occurred, from a skinned knee to a broken bone, the death of a pet, or an impending divorce. She enjoyed dressing in costume on Halloween to the delight of the students, and even showed them a little naughty smile when dressed up as a witch. Karen was instrumental in accomplishing the school's goal to help every child thrive.

Karen displayed patience, insight, and comfort devoid of judgment to the school's faculty and staff, as well. She was helpful and generous with her time, displaying an exemplary work ethic every day. Karen's lifelong friends from the school will remember her as a steadfast, fun-loving friend, always ready for a game of cards and a glass of wine.

In 2022 they moved back to the Madison area to spend their final days.

Outside the school, Karen's life could be encapsulated by five words: family, friends, birds, yarn, and dogs. Karen's family was all-important to her, and she was devoted to her three granddaughters, cherishing time spent with them. She took pride in remodeling and decorating their home, enlisting Gary's woodworking skills along the way. Karen was known for her love of birdwatching and her adventurous pursuit of them, taking many trips in their RV across the U.S. and Canada, and going as far as Costa Rica and Ecuador to see exotic birds. She was a master knitter, tackling increasingly difficult techniques, and then giving away her beautiful creations. Her most recent dog, Rosie, was her constant companion during her illness.

Karen is survived by her husband, Gary G. Scheppke; two children, Gary Jr. and Marci; Her three granddaughters, Daisy, Ellie and Hannah and her brother, Edward Auck.

With Karen's passing, the world has suddenly become a duller place. She will be dearly missed by all, including the birds she knew so well.

A private funeral service is planned.