Karen Christine Arndt

Dr. Karen Christine Arndt, 56 of La Crosse WI, formerly Grove City PA went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 15, 2016. She was born January 11, 1960 in New Castle, PA to Walter and Frances (Gorski) Pretko. Karen was blessed to work with the Gundersen Health System for 22 years and most recently was Clinical Manager of General Internal Medicine for the La Crosse campus.
Karen’s love for life was not limited to only her children and grandchildren, she was just as committed to nursing and patient centered care. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, teacher, mentor and patient always striving to make life better for all.
Karen was extremely proud to be a veteran of the United States Air Force being commissioned in May 1982.
Besides family, Karen served in capacities to assist and mentor youth through the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Grand Central Station, School District of La Crosse and YMCA volunteer for children’s pre-school education. Karen was honored to have served the Oglala Lakota Sioux nation as an RN through Gundersen Health System, Global Partners – Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota.
Karen is survived by her family, partner in life and best friend Stephen Arndt, children Stephanie Arndt (Joe Gordon), Shakopee, MN, SSgt Sean Arndt, Camp Lejeune, NC, Cameron Arndt, La Crosse, WI. Four grandchildren – Javon, Jaxon, Bryson and Brennan. Mother, Frances E. Pretko of Grove City, PA and brother Walter A. Pretko of Columbus, OH, other relatives, cohorts and friends. Karen was preceded in passing by her father Walter Pretko.
As relatives and friends, we are deeply moved and grateful to God for the privilege of knowing Karen. Through her life not only as a mother and nurse, we also experienced the love of God and the joy of salvation that Jesus Christ has prepared for us.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Mary Mother of the Church Parish, 2006 Weston Street, La Crosse on 22 October 2016 at 11:30 am with Rev. Brian D. Konopa presiding. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:30-7:00 PM at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue South, La Crosse where a rosary will be recited at 4:30 PM and again at the church on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of services. Karen will be interred at Woodland Cemetery, Grove City, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations in remembrance of Karen can be made to the Karen C. Arndt Nursing Scholarship Fund or Global Partners, Gundersen Medical Foundation, 1836 South Avenue, La Crosse WI 54601.
In God’s hands may you rest, in our hearts, you will live forever.