Karen Wheelock

Karen L. Wheelock passed away in her Visalia home on August 6, 2016. Born October 25, 1945 in Milwaukee, WI, she moved with her family to Antigo, WI while in the second grade. She had one older and four younger brothers. After graduating from Antigo High School, she went to work for the FBI in Washington, D.C., where she met her husband to be, Bruce. Karen was looking forward to their 50th wedding anniversary on December 31, 2016. Karen was blessed with and raised two sons; Joel, born in Alexandria, VA and Jeff, born in Green Bay, WI. Karen, Bruce and their sons moved to California in 1984. Karen was an entrepreneur at heart, and after raising her sons in 1992, she founded Visalia Coffee Company on Mooney Blvd. She moved the growing business to Main St. in 1995, where she added Saturday morning jazz, a tradition which still exists, but has moved to Café 210. Karen sold the business and retired in 2000. Retirement didn’t last long for this go-getter, who didn’t give anything less than 110% in any undertaking, family or job. So with Bruce still working, three years later, she purchased and ran First Glance Ultrasound, until selling the successful business after seven years. Karen also loved her new-found community and served on the boards for the First Methodist Church, Visalia Downtown Association, and Café 210, as well as serving on the new Visalia Transit Center Design Committee. However, her proudest accomplishment was being a part of the growth of her five grandchildren into wonderful young ladies and gentlemen. The loves of her life were Bruce and their sons, their sons’ spouses, and their grandchildren; Joel (Lana) and sons, Alex and Jonathan, frequently visited from Bakersfield. Jeff (Lisa) blessed her with little girls (finally!) and a son, Jessica, Samantha, and Seth, all from Visalia. She is also survived by her mother, Lucile Weaver, 93, of Baraboo, WI, and five brothers; Don (Marilyn), of Weaverville, NC; Mark (Mary), of Sauk City, WI; Dean (DeeDee), of Antigo, WI; Greg (Courtney), of Surry, ME; and Doug (Candy), of St. Louis, MO. Her father, Don Weaver Sr., preceded her in death in 1985. Karen will be sadly missed by her family and friends in Wisconsin and California and elsewhere. A memorial service will be held for Karen on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, in Visalia, CA. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Karen Wheelock

October 25, 1945 - August 6, 2016