Karen J. Nesbit, age 56, of Redgranite, formerly of Omro, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 12, 2013. Karen was born on March 7, 1957, in Virginia, the daughter of Stephen and Judith (Clermont) Triggs. She graduated from De Forest High School and later earned a bachelor's degree in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a master's degree in Theological Studies from St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. Karen married Edwin A. Nesbit on April 30, 1977.

Karen's concern for peace and justice issues began early in her life. Her working career began in social work as a social worker in group homes for chronically mentally ill adults and emotionally disturbed adolescents. In addition to working as the owner/operator of her own bakery known as Nesbit Bake Shoppe in Omro, she began teaching seventh grade religious education at St. Mary Parish in Omro. This experience along with an invitation to take over the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) began her lifelong ministry to the church and others. She has worked in RCIA, faith formation, liturgy and youth ministry (leading ten youth mission trips) at St. Mary parishes in Omro and Winneconne and as a pastoral associate at St. Mary Parish, Oshkosh. She was a faculty member in the Diocesan Emmaus program. Since April 24, 2007 and until her recent decline in heath, Karen had been pastoral leader (parish director) at St. Mark, Redgranite and Sacred Heart in Poy Sippi. In addition to her religious ministry, she also enjoyed reading, shopping at thrift stores, going on family vacations in northern Wisconsin and doting over her grandchildren.

Karen is loved and will be missed by her husband, Ed; children, Chad, Trisha, Joel (special friend, Kelly), Andy; parents, Stephen and Judith Triggs of Madison; grandchildren, Jasmine, Taytum, Olyvia; sister, Debra (Craig) Ball of Madison; brothers, Stephen Triggs of Wausau and David (Joe) Triggs-Smith of Eustis, Fl. Further survived by other relatives and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Phyllis Triggs and Norman and Jeanette Clermont.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, August 16, 2013, at St. Mary Parish, 730 Madison Ave., Omro from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and then on Saturday, August 17, 2013, at St. Mark Catholic Church, 228 Church Ave., Redgranite, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with The Most Reverend Robert J. Banks presiding and Reverend Joseph J. Mattern as homilist. Karen will be laid to rest at St. Mark Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in her name.