Karen E. Metzger (nee Nickerson), 66, went home to be with her Lord Jesus on Thursday, June 25, 2008 at Froedtert Lutheran Memorial Hospital.

She was born on May 1, 1942 in Ravenna, Ohio to the late Hugh and Erla (nee Osmun) Nickerson.

She was raised in Kent, Ohio moving to Wisconsin in 1957. She graduated from West Allis Central High School with the Class of 1960. After high school, she attended UW-Milwaukee, where she met Richard "Rick" F. Metzger. They got married on June 8, 1963. They started a family in 1965 and then moved to Waukesha, where they raised their children.

One of Karen’s biggest joys was being a foster parent to more than 60 children. She sang in the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, and the Skylight Theater and gave piano lessons. Karen’s heart for God was very obvious to everyone who met her, which was demonstrated through her involvement in the life of the church and people’s lives, especially her children. Karen fulfilled her lifelong dream of graduating from college, which she completed in 1997 at Mount Mary. Later, she was thrilled to have grandchildren and loved every minute she had with them.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Rick of Jackson; children, Vicki (Mike) Spray of Niceville, Fla., Debra (Ann) Metzger-Reinders of Waukesha, Robert Metzger of Minneapolis, Ricky Metzger of Chicago; two grandchildren, Taylor Ann and Braedon Hugh; and sisters, Caroljean (Ron) Newell and Dayle (Mahlon Darlington) Nickerson. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her brother, E. Lynn Nickerson.

A Celebration of Life Service will be on Sunday, June 28, 2008 at 4 p.m. at Northbrook Churchin Richfield with the Rev. Lee Heyward officiating. Visitation with family and friends will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2008 from 1 to 4 p.m.. also at the church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the medical staff of Froedtert Hospital and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic of Slinger for their compassionate care. The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family. www.phillipfuneralhome.com.