Karen N.
Spidell
Karen N. Spidell
(Nee Van Kylen) Longtime resident of West Allis. Passed to Eternal Life, Wednesday, January 13, 2021, age 84 years. Rejoined with loving husband of over 65 years and best friend, Gerald, who passed away in 2020. Caring mother to Susan (Barry) Sprifke, Patricia (Mark) Eklund, Vicki (Thomas) Glasnovich, Mary Kay Spidell-Chan (Alan), Therese Jo Spidell, Barbara Meyer-Spidell. Proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, Frank and Esther Van Kylen, brothers, Frank (Isabelle) Van Kylen, Raymond (Lillian) Van Kylen and sister Cecile (Jack) Lee. Survived by other family members including brother-in-law Thomas (Carol) Spidell, sister-in law Diane (Charles) Wisch and sister-in-law Shirley (late Richard) Spidell, nieces and nephews and many friends. Karen enjoyed being outdoors, shopping and spending time with her six daughters and grandchildren. A Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.
My sincere condolences to the whole family on the loss of a great lady.
Thank you Dorothy you are a cherished friend.
My Mother, Karen worked as a fashion merchandiser and she was fond of saying that she was born on her wedding day . This was her very amusing attempt to mention that on her 18th Birthday she married the love of her life together for 5 years already, Jerry. They be-bopped their youthful days to every big band. Both very fond of music they regularly went to Rush St. in Chicago to see every act known to the town. They saw Aretha, Ella, Dizzy, and enjoyed a comfortable life. Her 6 daughters gave her and Dad much attention in their final years. They we’re together 70 years total. Once upon a time she worked for Allis-Chalmers with her Father.
Mom you will be missed! You came to Michigan to socialize with me, watch my-first baby Noelle, came with Lauren when we moved, came with Sarah several times including when adopted my second baby Jessa and then came when I had my third baby Brigitte. You helped identify the cry a baby makes when they are hungry or just tired. You really knew your stuff! You knew how to instinctively cook and when you cooked a turkey I remember you frustrating Al the engineer because you didn’t use times you went by how something looked! When I lived in Milwaukee you were up to going to Just Art’s Saloon and touring the Eastside with Dad and showing us your favorite places. I wish Dementia and other health issues between you and Dad did not rob your life away. On a few of your visits, I saw how much fun you and Dad had together and wished you had more carefree days versus what you had. I hope you are able to find Dad in the afterlife and enjoy each other’s company again as younger free spirits. Love you! Mary Kay. P.S. – thank you for changing your mind about naming me Geraldine!