Karen E. Butalla

Karen E. Butalla 60, Wausau, died Monday February 15, 2010 under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice at her home. She was born May 29, 1949 in Wausau, daughter of the late Raymond and Elizabeth (Rapp) Sheldon. On July 14, 1979, she married Alan Butalla at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. He survives. Karen attended the State College of Beauty Culture and had been employed as a beautician for many years. After marriage, it was Karen's loving priority to be a stay at home mom for her family. During these years, she was an avid bowler and her teammates enjoyed a lively session of "pass the baby" as Karen usually would bring along one of her little ones. Among her other interests, she also enjoyed cross stitching, needlepoint projects, quilting and volunteering with St. Matthew's Youth Group. Survivors include her husband, Alan Butalla, Wausau, three children, Justen Butalla, Minneapolis, Minn., Nora Butalla, Wausau, and Kay Butalla, Minneapolis, Minn., three siblings, Gary (Barb) Sheldon, Prescott, Ariz., Cynthia Sheldon, Nebraska, Raeann (Jeff) Rowland, Rothschild, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday February 20, 2010 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call from 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com