Karen L. Giguere

She was born on April 11, 1940, daughter of the late Anton and June (Cootware) Dorfler. She attended the Kingsford schools, graduating from Kingsford High School in 1958. She married David Giguere on Feb. 27, 1960, at the American Martyrs Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on July 9, 1991.

Karen worked in laundry at Maryhill Manor for many years. She was also a bartender for many years, a job she truly enjoyed.

Perhaps her favorite title was Mom. Raising and caring for her six children was the job she loved the most. Also known as “Ma” to the Ledge Street Gang and the friends of her children, who all spent countless hours around the table playing cards and singing John Denver. This tradition continued with her grandchildren and their friends and she was known as “G” to the new generation. She was always ready for an adventure and loved to travel. She was always up for a road trip.

She enjoyed her time spent with the “Happy Losers Club.” In her free time she loved to cross stitch, check Facebook on her iPad, do jigsaw puzzles, and especially read. She also enjoyed getting her hair done once a week by Marie Edwards. She loved her grandchildren dearly, and truly loved following them in all of their adventures through school, sporting events and life.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her brothers, Joe and Vince “Buzz” Dorfler; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lois and Ray Steeno, Joe Wender and Bruce Albert.

Karen is survived by her six children, Denise Giguere of Appleton, Wis., Mike (Sheila) Giguere of Gwinn, Monica (Barry) Fohn of Iron Mountain, John (Sandy) Giguere of Kingsford, Jim “Rook” (Becky) Giguere of Howard, Wis., and Jenni Giguere of Appleton; grandchildren, Travis, Jason (Amber) Jessica “Bird”, Ashley and David; two great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Declan; sisters and brother, Nance Zecchin, Mary Wender, Phil Dorfler and Sue Albert.

She is further survived by several nieces and nephews.

Karen’s family will be eternally grateful to all the doctors, nurses and cna’s on the 4th floor at Bellin Hospital for the support, phenomenal care and love they provided her.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 11 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.

The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Peter Erickson will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in her memory.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Karen L. Giguere online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.