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 a later date please check back for more details soon.
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.
Terry Spencer February 06, 2025
Friend BARABOO , Wisconsin
My sincerest condolences to the family. She lived a good life now it’s time reap those rewards.
Susan Karr Lokken February 06, 2025
NIECE Palm Springs , California
I will miss my dear Auntie's smiling face and infectious laugh. May her memory be a blessing.
Cindy (zimmerman) Doescher February 07, 2025
Neighbor ghbor Baraboo
Lindi and family.... so sorry to read about your mom. Your folks always stopped to talk when they walked by our house. So friendly and pleasant. Hope you are doing well
Jennifer Volz February 07, 2025
Friend Kimberly , Wisconsin
Oh goodness, I’m so sorry to hear this Paschen Family. Mona was absolutely lovely, I will never forget how kind she was to our family.
Debra Krueger Yngsdal February 07, 2025
Classmate of linde Sauk city , Wisconsin
Lindi and family….so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers…Debbie
CINDY SCHROEDER February 07, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
I loved her soooo much! She was more then a customer to me she was a friend! She will be missed by EVERYONE
Penny and Dennis Quandt February 08, 2025
Friends Dothan , AL
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mark,Nancy and Lindsay and Families.We had a lot of great times and Devils Lake with our families
Beverly Haight February 09, 2025
Caretaker Grand Marsh , Wisconsin
I'm so sorry for your loss.I loved that women deeply. Sorry that I couldn't be there for you and Mona. Love you all
Sharon Vogt February 09, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Mona was one of the sweetest ladies in town. It was an honor to call her my friend
Margaret Kendrick Baxter February 10, 2025
Family friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Dear Mark and Judy and Family, My heart and my prayers go out to you. What a beautiful, talented, and kind person Mona was. My father Pete and I were just telling my husband Brian last week about how kind and welcoming the Mona and Allen were to our family when we moved to Baraboo in 1968 and all of us wre working the grounds at Baraboo Country Club. I am sure she will continue doing great works in heaven. Mona was greatly loved and cared for by her loving family. I will miss her stories and her great welcoming smile.
Sharyl Reitz February 10, 2025
friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
My deepest condolences to all the family. I was very saddened to hear she passed away. I am an Agrace volunteer that would come in to visit just for companionship. Although Mona and I go back to the AAUW organization, we came to know each other better through my weekly visits and developed a good friendship. We shared some memories and enjoyed playing some cribbage, gin rummy and Yahtzee together. We also enjoyed walks around the outside pond area and enjoyed the beautiful flowers. She had a life well lived. She will be missed.
Anna Kamysz February 12, 2025
Friend Kildeer , Illinois
Dearest Mark and Family, My most heartfelt sympathies to you all during this time of loss and sorrow. May your Mom rest in peace ! Anna Kamysz
Mary L Henry February 13, 2025
Friend Viroqua , Wisconsin
Mona was always such a kind soul. She always greeted me with a smile and a big hug. She will be greatly missed. A wonderful and full life to cherish with beautiful memories.