Jeanne M. Karpinski

Jeanne Marie (Sherfinski) Karpinski, 86, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. She was born and raised in Wausau, WI and graduated from Wausau High School in 1958.

After graduation, Jeanne entered St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Wausau and was awarded her diploma in 1961 and became a registered nurse.

Jeanne and her husband, Eugene, grew up on the same street as one another and were happily united in marriage for over fifty-nine years. Together they raised two children. She always said that Eugene made her feel so very special and they shared a loving and devoted life together.

Jeanne’s professional career was spent in various fields of nursing. She worked on most major medical wards within regional hospital systems throughout Central Wisconsin. Her most treasured experience was serving as an associate director for the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) in Wausau, where she found deep fulfillment in caring for people in their homes. Jeanne concluded her career as a discharge planner for Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Throughout her life, Jeanne had a deep passion for flowers. She tended a beautiful flower garden at her home in Wausau for many years, and her home was always filled with the colorful arrangements she lovingly created. Jeanne also had a passionate love of reading. Whether enjoying a favorite novel or reflecting on her devotional books, she found comfort, inspiration, and quiet joy in the written word. Jeanne was a lifelong, devoted Catholic. Her faith led her to be actively involved in many parish church circles, including the Catholic Women’s Club, bible study groups, and organizing reunions for the former graduates of St. Mary’s School of Nursing.

Jeanne was known for her gentle spirit, steady kindness, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved. She carried herself with quiet strength and a calm, reassuring presence that made others feel at ease. Her compassion extended to everyone she met, whether through her nursing work, her church community, or the friendships she nurtured throughout her life. Jeanne had a thoughtful nature, a warm smile, and a generous heart, and she approached each day with gratitude and grace. She also faced many difficult health challenges throughout her life, yet she met each one with remarkable strength, quiet determination, and unwavering faith.

Jeanne cherished her family deeply, including her daughter, whom she held close in her heart throughout her life. She also shared a particularly special bond with her niece Debra, a relationship marked by affection, understanding, and lifelong closeness. Her absence will be especially felt by her son, Peter, a constant loving presence in her life and devoted to her well-being.

Jeanne is survived by her daughter, Nancy (John) Akey and their children Ryan Akey and Emily Akey of Perrysburg, Ohio and Atlanta, GA; her son Peter, of Wausau, WI; her niece, Debra Hooke and her children Erika and Nicholas of Baltimore, MD; her niece, Cindy (Tyler Babl) Sherfinski, of Wausau, WI; her nephews, Mark (Lillie), Daniel (Linda), and Douglas Sherfinski of Shawano and Wausau, WI; her niece, Karen (Frank McLanis) Dally of Davenport, FL; her nephew Keith (Sandy) Kurtzweil of Michigan; and her sister-in-law, Dorothy Sherfinski, of Wausau, WI.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene; parents, Alexander and Elizabeth Sherfinski; her brother, Anthony Sherfinski; her brother-in-law, Joseph (Estelle) Karpinske; her sister-in-law, Irene (Ray) Kurtzweil; and her sister-in-law, Margaret DuBoise.

Jeanne’s family would also like to thank Cindy Sherfinski, her niece, for arranging her funeral service.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Resurrection Catholic Church, Wausau. Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, all at Resurrection Catholic Church, Wausau. Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2026, at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com