Karen Sys

Karen Marie Sys, 80, passed away at home on August 13, 2016. She was born in Racine on April 5, 1936, the daughter of the late Elmer and Leta (nee: Jackson) Larsen. Karen was a member of the Horlick class of 1954. She was married in Racine on April 19th, 1974 to Joel Sys. Karen spent many years working at several of the Piggly Wiggly food stores here in Racine.

Karen received much joy from being a mother and doting on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed making and collecting porcelain dolls, and dressing them in unique clothing that she made special for each one. Karen was also known to be a ‘competitive shopper’, and one who hated to cook.

Karen is survived by her husband, Joel Sys of Caledonia; her children: Greg (Theresa) Heiser, Mark (Veronica) Heiser, and Michelle Heiser all of Racine, and Bruce Gondert of Ft. Mills; grandchildren: David and Joshua Heiser, Valerie and Veronica Heiser, Melinda Manbeck, Jack Priessnitz, and Steven Glenn; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters: Elaine (Syl) Gorlik, and Betty Larsen; mother-in-law Mary Sys; sister-in-law Jane (Mark) Reeves; brother-in-law Gary Paul all of Racine; and many other relatives and friends. She was also preceded in death by her grandson Christopher Heiser; and her sister Virginia (Joe) Paolocci.

A memorial service for Karen will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 7 p.m. with Pastor Ron Auch Jr. officiating. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Cemetery services will be private. Please consider making donations in her memory to the ASPCA; or St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota.