Karen L. (Bartol) Woodford

Karen L. Woodford, 77, of Marshfield died Saturday, March 19, 2022, at House of the Dove in Marshfield after a brief battle with cancer.

Karen was born on February 19, 1945, to Edward and Helen (Dietz) Bartol in Ashland, WI. She spoke fondly of her memories of swimming, ice skating, and fishing with her father on Chequamegon Bay, located just blocks from her childhood home. Karen was deeply involved in music throughout her childhood. She played piano, accordion, and drums in the band at De Padua High School. She also participated in school musicals and won state competitions with her high school singing trio. Music framed many of her favorite moments from those years.

After graduating high school in 1963, Karen moved to Eau Claire to study Cosmetology. There she met her future husband, Richard Woodford. She always enjoyed talking about their first date, he took her fishing. They were married in Menominee, Michigan on August 7, 1967 and were together until Richard's death in 2020. She moved to Marshfield and worked first as a cosmetologist, then in a factory building rafters-until a work injury prompted her to return to school. Karen earned a diploma in Medical Transcription from MSTC and was hired to work in medical records at a local nursing home. She eventually accepted a position working in the office at MSTC, where she stayed until her retirement. Karen also worked as a part-time instructor, teaching Medical Office Procedures, and often said it was the most fulfilling job she ever had. Even years after her retirement, former students would light up when they recognized her.

Karen loved growing vegetables, flowers, and hybrid tea roses. She enjoyed crafting, antiques going to garage sales, cooking and baking, hanging out with her dogs, and spending time with family. She was always generous with her time and energy and loved to help people.

She was predeceased by her husband Richard Woodford, Marshfield; parents Edward and Helen Bartol, Ashland, WI; sister Connie Rabideaux, Duluth, MN; sister Gail Lewandowski, Medford; brother-in-law Danny Rabideaux, Duluth, MN; brother-in-law Walt Lewandowski, Medford.

Karen is survived by her son Shawn (Sharon) Woodford, Stratford; daughter Kelly Woodford, Marshfield; granddaughter Holly (Jon) Schiller, Marshfield; granddaughter Haley Woodford, Stratford; grandson Jacob Woodford, Stratford; great-granddaughter Addyson Thompson, Marshfield; dear friend Lisa (Kevin) Steines, Marshfield.

Per Karen’s wishes, she will be cremated and no service will be held.

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