KAREN LEA BOLTE

KAREN LEA BOLTE

In loving memory of Karen L. Bolte (1940-2025)

     It is with a mix of deep sorrow and complex emotions that we announce the passing of Karen Lea Bolte (Finn) Aug. 28, 2025. Karen was born Feb. 2, 1940, in Black River Falls, WI, and was beloved by her parents, Jamie and Francis Finn (Hoppe). She had one older brother, James Finn, that has preceded her in death. She spent her young life on a farm just outside of Taylor, WI. There she was able to spend her days helping her father work with and train horses for a living. Those were some of the happiest days in her memories and she often spoke of this time. 

     In 1958, Karen was married to Franklin Bolte and remained such until the time of his death in 2004. They had seven children, many of which were “Irish twins.” Karen loved hunting and fishing with Frank, often enjoying the sport as much for the competition as for the chance to tease him when her catch was the bigger and better one.

Karen was a force of nature. With her sharp tongue and even sharper wit, she had a way of making people laugh, cringe, and admire her all at once. Karen leaves behind a legacy of laughter, sassy comebacks and more attitude than most people could handle. 

     Like all of us, Karen faced moments where she wished she had done things differently, especially with her children. Though things were left unsaid and uncorrected she leaves behind lessons learned and a family that understands the complexities of love, reflection, healing, and the possibility of peace.

     One of the constants in Karen’s life was her unwavering devotion to Jehovah. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to His service on April 1, 1968, striving to live with faith and purpose every day. She remained in that service where she found peace and a purpose, in connecting with others, where she could speak with fondness for the God that helped her deeply. Her favorite scripture was Psalms 55:22 “Throw your burden on Jehovah and he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to fall”. 

     Karen has six surviving children, Debra Graybeal from Burlingame, KS, Kathryn (Paul) Sander from Moran, KS, Teresa (Ronnie) Cook from St. Maries, ID, Susan (Brian) Fox from South Beloit, IL, Connie Jo (Ron) Muhlenkamp from Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and Carolyn (Kevin) Schneebeli from Willard, WI. Even though she was not able to express love in the most conventional ways, to others it was clear that she loved her family. Karen went on to have a very large extended family. Those seven children gave her 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

     She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Thomas; granddaughter Kelli Jo; and great-grandsons Austin Glass and Baby John Butler IV.