Karen D. Renzelmann

Karen D. Renzelmann 38, Wausau, fought a brave battle with cancer and died peacefully Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau. Karen's strength, dignity and grace in the face of the daunting challenges fighting this disease were an inspiration to all who knew her. She was born December 20, 1968 in Stoughton, daughter of Renald and Vera (Hellenbrand) Henriksen of Rice Lake, Wis. On July 31, 1999, she married Chris Renzelmann at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rice Lake. He survives. One of her greatest joys was being a mom to her daughter, Allie. She had a great passion for teaching and helping her students at Wausau West High School. Among her many interests, she was an avid reader and regularly shared many books between her mother and sister. Survivors include, her daughter, Allie and husband, Chris Renzelmann, Wausau; her parents, Renald and Vera Henriksen, Rice Lake; two brothers, Gene Henriksen, Luck, Wis. and Bruce (Anne) Henriksen, Eau Claire; one sister, Randie Henriksen, Rice Lake; her grandmother, Wilva Henriksen, Brooklyn, Wis.; and six nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, Jeff Henriksen; her grandparents, Edward Henriksen and John and Francis Hellenbrand. The funeral mass will be celebrated 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 21, 2007 at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Steven Brice will preside. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Rice Lake. Friends may call Friday from 4:00 p.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to establish a scholarship program. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com