Karen Claire Crogan, age 79, born to eternal life, July 21, 2015.
Karen was born on July 8, 1936, the only daughter of Chris and Adeline Sime, the oldest of 3 children Karen grew up in Western Wisconsin as big sister to her younger brothers Rick (Sherry) Sime of Caledonia, Minnesota and Christopher who proceeded her in death at age 17 following a car accident. As a freshman in high school Karen met the love of her life, Eli Crogan. Following graduation from Gays Mills High School the two were married on September 3, 1955. In 1965 Karen and Eli settled in Watertown which has been their home for the last 50 years. A true pioneer for female owned business, Karen owned and operated Jefferson-Dodge Credit Co. in downtown Watertown for nearly 30 years. In addition to running her own business Karen was a role model and leader for others in business and in her industry becoming the first woman President of the Wisconsin Association of Collection Agencies as well as being one of the first female members of the Watertown Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club where she remained active even following her retirement. More than being a leader in business, Karen's greatest accomplishment and joy was raising her three children and being blessed to be Grandma to 8.
Karen is survived by her husband of 59 years, Eli, who has been her caregiver for the last 7 years, sons Craig (Lisa) and their children, Alex, Katie and Jacob; Curt and his children Chris and Carter; and daughter Cori (Paul) Prahl and their children, Matthew, Miranda and Megan.
Karen was a true coaches wife, cherishing her role as chief cheerleader, team mom, cook and number one fan of countless student/athletes at the high school and college level. She will always be a Gosling and Badger at heart. These last 7 years she has embodied the true spirit of MTIXE. Many thanks for the support of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association and to the former players, coaches, friends and family that sent cards, letters, flowers, visited or called. Their friendship and kindness will never be forgotten.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Pastor Terry Larson, Pastor Todd Iverson, Dr. Richard Holden, Country Nurses and the staff and nurses at UW Health-Watertown.
Funeral Services are planned for Monday, July 27, 2015 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Watertown, visitation 3:00-6:00 with funeral to follow at 6:00. Burial will be Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Utica Lutheran Church, Gays Mills, Wisconsin.
Memorials in Karen's honor appreciated to Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church.
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Visitation Details
Monday, July 27th, 2015, 3:00pm - 6:00pm, Immanuel Lutheran Church-Watertown
Service Details
Monday, July 27th, 2015, 6:00pm, Immanuel Lutheran Church-Watertown
Interment Details
Utica Lutheran Church Cemetery