Soldatos, Karen Williams. Passed away peacefully with the utmost love, highest respect, and enduring care of her close family on Nov. 6, 2018 at age 98. Devoted widow of Gene Soldatos. Proud Mother of Paul (Marcia White) of Charleston and Kiawah Island, SC and Kari (Thomas Esser) of Town of Cedarburg. Cherished Grandmother of Emily Esser (Princeton, NJ) and Grace Soldatos (NY, NY). Honored beloved friend of Nancy Victor, Betty Runft, the White family, the Esser family, and many dear ones. Born and raised in Verona, WI, daughter of late Robert Alton and late Clara Williams, sister of late Robert and late Florence. From a young age in the 1930s, Karen bravely delivered the evening newspaper route in rural Verona as Wisconsin State's first paper girl. Karen graduated Verona High School in 1937 at age 16, Valedictorian, Class President and Student Council President among her many accolades. Karen also excelled at UW-Madison, graduating in 1941 with her degree in Social Work and Education. Karen married G. Eugene Soldatos in 1943 as a Navy Bride right before he shipped off to World War II for over 3 years. Karen was a licensed social worker, high school teacher, and homemaker. Karen and Gene moved to their lovely home in Whitefish Bay in 1952. Karen served her community as a dedicated volunteer throughout her life, including as a member of the Board of the Protestant Home of Milwaukee for over 20 years, and leadership roles including President of Henry Clay PTA, United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay Women's Society, Women's Club of Whitefish Bay, Elections Supervisor in her local precinct, and many more. Karen valued education highly, listening and learning. She dedicated her time to her husband and children's pursuits, including as a tireless volunteer to support Gene in his efforts to recognize Navy and Service members for Armed Forces Week of Milwaukee. Karen was a very giving and caring advocate who drew people to her with her genuine warmth, intelligence, humor, her beautiful smile, and twinkling blue eyes. With her natural ability to connect with people, many sought out her trusted advice, comfort, and company. She extended her caring hand to every person she met in any walk of life, young and old. Karen's humble and sincere spirit was an inspiration to many. In every setting, she was the first person to join, participate, and contribute her time and knowledge, quietly setting an example that many people admired and followed. Karen remembered her small town roots and was a loyal friend and good person. In her honor, consider doing what Karen did remarkably well: Make time to write a thoughtful card to a distant friend, call an old chum with good cheer, visit a neighbor and bring something from home, kindly encourage an acquaintance to keep going, go the extra mile, pray for a needy soul, lend a hand, forgive first, offer your time and skills to your school, church or town, always do your best, generously give away a great idea, and read a story book to a child, once and again. Visitation to be held on Monday, Nov. 19 at 12:00 pm at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Avenue, Town of Cedarburg, WI, with Service to follow at 2:00 pm led by Dan Berres, St. John's Lutheran Church of West Bend. Burial service and prayers for Karen will be held at Catlin Chapel, Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, WI on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 11:00 am. Karen and her family are very grateful for many years of outstanding compassionate care of Dr. Richard Lusis MD and attentive caring nursing staff. Karen was always mindful of God's blessings, and we give thanks for the many lovely days we had together.