Karen G. Kirch passed away peacefully at her home on January 18, 2007, after a courageous fight against cancer. Karen was born February 18, 1946 in Baraboo, Wisconsin, but considered herself a Racine native. In 1964 she graduated from Racine Lutheran High School and then attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education in 1968.
Karen began her teaching career in Racine at McKinley Junior High School where for seven years she taught Physical Education and Health and coached several intramural sports including gymnastics and cheerleading. She never forgot her friends and mentors at McKinley when she moved to Washington Park High School in 1975. At Park High School Karen not only taught Physical Education and Health, but became an active participant in the recently formed Girls Athletics programs. Karen served as the Varsity head coach for gymnastics and softball, and as junior varsity coach for basketball and tennis. In 1983, 1985, and 1988 Karen was voted Coach of the Year for Girls’ Softball. No one could be prouder than Karen when a Park girls’ athletic team made it to a state level competition. Karen also served as a Student Government advisor, meet manager for basketball and volleyball, and was also very active on faculty steering and planning committees. Karen received her Master’s Degree in Education Administration from UW-Milwaukee in 1990 and was chosen to be Park’s Blue School Principal in 1991. Previous to that she had also served as the Interim Athletic Director and substitute Orange School Principal. Her major responsibility as the Blue School Principal was doing the scheduling of classes for the entire school. This became her pride and joy to produce the most efficient schedule for students and staff. She also loved graduation and worked to make that event a dignified and memorable time for both the graduates and their families. In 2001 Karen retired from Park High School to enjoy golfing, gambling, and traveling with her friends, but she frequently returned to Park to help out with scheduling problems and share a laugh with her friends at school.
Karen is survived by her sister, Candy Kirch (partner Lynne Yancha) of Mount Pleasant Mills, PA and preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Florence Kirch. She will be deeply missed by her close friends and the Park High School family.
A special thank you and deep appreciation extended to the following: Dr. Mullane and the staff of the Oncology Alliance for their constant support to Karen during the last year, Hospice Alliance for their assistance and care in Karen’s final days, and the ICU staff and oncology floor nursing staff at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Hospital for their excellent medical care. Your loving care has restored our faith in the health care system in Racine.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 PM on Monday, January 22, at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 4 PM with a private committal on Tuesday at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials for a scholarship in Karen’s name may be made to Park High School.
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