Arline C. Martinez

Arline C. Schlaepfer-Martinez, known as Kari, age sixty, of Sparta, passed away on March 10, 2021. Kari was born September 4, 1960 in Oxnard, California, had lived in Wisconsin since 2004. She enjoyed reading, writing, watching westerns and true crime on TV, as well as rooting for her baseball team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. She truly enjoyed family time, especially sitting on the front porch in nice weather having grill outs with her family and friends surrounding her. Kari was known for her kind heart, welcoming attitude, and her big warm smile. She had earned herself many nicknames; Care Bear, Momma Kari, Gram-Cracker, and her favorite Mongi from her granddaughter.

Kari is survived by her five children: Angelina Gonzalez of California, Robert Martinez, Laura Salinas, A.B. Salinas of Sparta, and Marina Steidl of LaCrosse. She is survived by three sons-in law: Dario Gonzalez of California, Andres Mendoza of Sparta, and Paul Steidl of La Crosse. Kari has seven grandchildren: Dario II of Montana, Violet, Viviana, Nathan, Jose, Jazmin, and Emily of Sparta, one great-grandson Dario III of Montana. She is survived by brother David Schlaepfer of California and sister Shannon West of Oregon, as well as one niece, four nephews, and several great nieces and nephews. Kari also provided a home for many friends of her children during her lifetime and is survived by all those who thought of her as “Momma Kari”.

Kari was preceded in death by her grandson Alejandro and her parents, Ray and Patricia Schlaepfer.

Although we are all happy that she is no longer suffering from her illness, she is greatly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know her.

We love you Mom. May you finally be at peace.