Marian Karasch

Marian A. Karasch, 94, of Independence, died on Monday, July 15, 2024 at the Trempealeau County Health Care Center, Whitehall. 

Marian was born on January 23, 1930, on a farm in Wickham Valley in Independence to Frank and Angeline (Kokott) Koval. She filled many roles in her lifetime. When she was a young girl, she worked as a housekeeper and babysitter for Cliff and Verna Kampa and assisted at the Rainbow Restaurant. Later, Len Kern hired her to work in the restaurant he managed in the Independence Hotel, owned by Louie and Rose Schoenberger. When Schoenbergers took over the management of the restaurant, Marian continued working for them. She had fond memories of working with Rose Wier, Valeria Kupka, and Lucy Morchinek and often talked about it. During that time, she met Vincent Karasch at a dance in the famous Club Midway. They were married on September 26, 1949 at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence. They moved to Milwaukee where Marian worked at A.C. Spark Plug. 

After their son was born, and after spending 9 years in Milwaukee, Marian and Vincent moved back to Whitehall and opened the Corner Restaurant, where they stayed for 10 years. It was a place where the young crowd hung out. Marian had many fond memories of the teens that became adults and had kept in contact with her and Vincent. 

After closing the restaurant, Marian worked at Tri-County Memorial Hospital in dietary for 24 years until her retirement. For the next 9 years, Marian volunteered for the Wisconsin State Low Vision Program where her husband was employed as an outreach worker. Together they worked in Trempealeau, Buffalo and Jackson Counties providing adaptive devices that helped the blind or visually impaired individuals live independently. They also volunteered as drivers for the Trempealeau County Aging program and transported people that needed rides to medical appointments. 

On August 10, 2010, her life changed when after almost 61 years of marriage, Vincent passed away. It was a sad time, but Marian carried on maintaining her home and continued to be a dedicated mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend for the rest of her life. She was always so grateful to the family, friends, neighbors, community and businesses that she could depend on. They helped her remain independent and kept her living in her own home, which she loved. 

Many of us will miss seeing her working in her yard, cutting grass on her John Deere mower, shoveling or blowing snow, cleaning up the leaves, cruising in her car, or shopping and visiting with everyone she had known in her 94 years. She had a good outlook on life and accepted the challenges that she faced. 

Marian leaves a loving family behind that includes her son: Gary (Linda) Karasch; granddaughters: Christina (Craig) Geissler and Paula (Ben) Gryskiewicz; great-granddaughters: Annabelle Geissler and Cora Gryskiewicz; great-grandson: Emmett Gryskiewicz; brother: Frank (Mary Ann) Koval; sister: Angie (Gus) Klimek; many nieces and nephews; and her late husband’s family. 

She will be joining her parents; husband, Vincent; granddaughter: Anna Marie; siblings: Alosie, Clarence and Laurine Koval, and Leona Slaby; and other family members and friends that have passed before her. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father George Thayilkuzhithottu officiating. Family and friends are welcome for visitation one hour prior to mass at church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic School. To express condolences to her family online, please visit www.edisonfuneralhome.com.