Karen N. (Hendershott) Ridder

Karen N. Ridder, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 25th, 2024, at the age of 73. She lived in Hales Corners, WI for the last 9 years.

She was born on April 18th, 1950, in Bozeman, Montana, the middle child, to William Francis and Mary (Koerber) Hendershott. Karen was married on October 25,1969, to Theodore (Ted) Ridder whom she started dating at the age of 14. They moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1975 following Ted’s brother. She was a full-time homemaker, raising her 3 kids, and then received her phlebotomy degree around

1990 and started her phlebotomy career at West Allis Memorial Hospital. She eventually began working at Waukesha Memorial Hospital until her retirement in 2015, but after about a year or so, went back to work part time because she loved her job and just being around people.

Karen had a deep love for the Lord and a strong desire to witness to other people. She walked outside daily and prayed for her family and friends on these walks. Karen loved her family and attending her grandkids’ events and hosting family dinners at her condo. Her home was ALWAYS spotless and

uncluttered. She had a sweet tooth for baked goods and almost anything chocolate and loved to wash it down with her (strong) coffee. Her nightly ritual was a Moose Tracks ice cream cone before bed. She attended Crossroads Community Church for many years, where she made several friends, and helped with cleaning the church as well as communion set up and clean up.

Karen is survived by her 3 children, Michelle (Mike) Ciezki of Waterford, Melissa (Randy) Wiese of Muskego, and Todd (Lori) Ridder of Greendale. She was loved by her 5 grandchildren, Jessie Ciezki, Bella and Ben Wiese and Jenna and Matthew Ridder. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

Karen is preceded in death by her husband Ted, brother Bill, and sister Kathy.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 6th, 2024, at Crossroads Community Church, (4315 S. Moorland Rd. New Berlin, WI), visitation will be held at 10 am until time of service beginning promptly at 11:00 AM with a light luncheon and fellowship to follow. A Private burial service with close family will precede this.

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