Mona Paschen

The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025

at Trapper's Turn in Wisconsin Dells, with a lunch to follow.

Mona Paschen, age 97, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Oak Park Place in Baraboo with her loving family at her side.

Mona, daughter of Bert and Sarah (Gladstone) Karr was born on October 26, 1927 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She attended the University of Manitoba, pursuing a psychology degree. Besides being valedictorian of her class, Mona excelled in tennis. She finished her college career ranking second in the Province of Manitoba in tennis.

Mona met the love of her life, Allen, while he was attending an Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity convention in Winnipeg. They were married on December 27, 1950 in 25 below zero weather in Winnipeg. Mom always spoke about how cold it was in Canada, so moving down to Wisconsin was like living in the tropics for her. Their wonderful marriage lasted 73 years and Dad preceded her in death on July 16, 2024.

Mom had many hobbies and interests. When she moved with Dad to Baraboo, Wisconsin, it was difficult to find a competitive partner who played tennis at her level, so she took up golf. Golf became her summer passion, and she won the Baraboo Country Club championship 17 times. She loved golfing all over the country with Dad, and she held the “Hole-in-one” bragging rights of the family. Mom finished with 4 total and Dad “only” had 2. Mom put her clubs to rest at age 95, after some leg issues.

Never one to sit still, Mom joined bridge club, was President of the hospital auxiliary, and served as President of AAUW acting as their historian for many years. Mom was an avid reader and started a book club. She joined a walking club, was a Girl Scout leader, and was also a life member of Hadassah through Temple Beth El.  The hobby that I think she enjoyed the most was knitting. You could always find her in her favorite recliner, knitting sweaters for her children and grandchildren, or Afghan blankets and caps for her great-grandchildren. She started a knitting club, which contributed to countless blankets and caps for newborns at St. Clare Hospital. Mom was a true volunteer, giving of herself in order to better others and the community.

Survivors include her devoted children, Lindi (Dr. Jay) Kuritz of Green Bay, Nancy (Dr. Gary) Smith of Delafield, and Dr. Mark (Judy) Paschen of Baraboo. She leaves seven special grandchildren, Ben (Natalie) Kuritz  and Aaron Kuritz, Becky (Matt) Puhl and Michael (Stephanie) Smith, and Mitch (Naomi) Paschen, Adam (Bevin) Paschen, and Joel Paschen. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren (with another one on the way), and many furry grandbabies who she would always have treats for when they would visit their Bubby.      

Special thanks to the fabulous Staff at Oak Park Place who made these last six years so enjoyable for Mom (and Dad). Thank you to Agrace Hospice for the attentive care they gave to Mom this past year, and to Dr. Randy Krszjzaniek for his always gentle demeaner and perfect “bedside manner” with Mom.

A Memorial Service to honor Mom’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025 at Trapper's Turn in Wisconsin Dells, with a lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Temple Beth El of Madison, 2702 Arbor Dr., Madison, WI  53711: https://www.tbemadison.org/payment.php  or to a charity of your choice.

May Mom’s memory be a blessing.