Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Karen Geisdorf
Karen R. Geisdorf went home to be with her Lord on November 10, 2025, reaching the age of 79 years and 24 days.
Karen was born October 17, 1946, in Black River Falls, the daughter of James and Angeline (Sokolosky) Geisdorf . She was raised with her five siblings on the family farm in Fairchild Township. Being the youngest of six, Karen preferred the outdoor chores and working with the animals over household “girl” chores indoors. Her love for animals began on that farm and remained throughout her life. She especially enjoyed being in the barn and working with the cows. She graduated from Fairchild High School and was honored to be crowned the class Prom Queen.
Following her graduation Karen moved to Madison, where she began working at Meriter Hospital in central supply. Her dedication, attention to detail, and strong work ethic quickly earned her advancement to the surgery department, where she was trained as a surgical technician. She rarely worked a normal shift, always taking “on calls” or extra shifts. Karen’s compassion for others was evident in her willingness to work extra and holiday shifts so her coworkers with families could be home with their children.
Karen was dedicated to her profession. One of her proudest and most rewarding experiences was a humanitarian trip abroad with Doctors Without Borders, where she assisted in surgeries for children with cleft palates. After more than 40 years of service at Meriter Hospital, she chose to take an early retirement in 2004 and returned to Fairchild to care for her mother who passed away in 2007. In addition to caring for her mother, Karen also provided care and companionship for Cadet Kumferman in his later years.
On August 21,2011, Karen was united in marriage to Chris Hotchkiss, and they enjoyed their life together in Fairchild until Chris’s passing in 2015.
Karen will be remembered as a strong and independent woman, who was a “jack of all trades.” She had a vast array of interests, but Karen’s faith was the central part of her life. She loved God deeply and found great joy in singing Christian music. During Christmas services, she was known for her beautiful rendition of Silent Night sung in Polish to honor her mother’s heritage.
Karen will be dearly missed by her sisters, Patricia “Pat” Palkowski of Independence, Nancy Scholze of Fairchild; several nieces and nephews; dear friend Ed Johnson of Fairchild; and honorary daughter Chantley “Lee”Sengchanh of Madison. Near and dear to her heart were her faithful canine companions, Angel and Happy, who also will undoubtedly miss her deeply.
In addition to her husband Chris Hotchkiss, Karen was preceded in death by her parents, James and Angeline Geisdorf; brother Donald Geisdorf; sisters Diane Dreyer and Jane Mayer; sister-in-law Rosalyn Geisdorf; brothers-in-law Richard Dreyer, August Palkowski, Lawrence Scholze and David Hoppa; and nephew Jamie Dreyer. .
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta, with Pastor Craig Lindgren officiating.
Burial will be in the Fairchild Cemetery.
Friends may call one hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com
