Celest King

Celest King, 83, of Green Lake, Wisconsin, died peacefully on September 14, 2022, at Prairie Place in Ripon, following a lingering illness.

She was born to George Lyle and Celest Parsons King on July 22, 1939, attended Green Lake schools, and went on to achieve a bachelor’s degree at University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and a master’s degree at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, specializing in education.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, she began a career in teaching, serving for decades in the Racine School District, where she taught primary grades. She was a dedicated teacher who loved teaching children, and retired with a tinge of regret.

One break in those years of teaching was a two-year term in the Peace Corps, serving as a teacher in Liberia. It was an experience that she talked about for the rest of her life.

Celest, always known as “Sis” to everyone, had legions of friends, valued them highly, and kept them forever. There were wine-tasting parties in Racine with fellow teachers and get-togethers at her beloved cabin in Beecher with many friends and family members. Once a year she would rendezvous with several Peace Corps friends, always picking a different spot in the country to meet up.

At retirement, Sis moved back to the family home in Green Lake, which she shared with her brother George. She utilized her many skills for the betterment of her community, serving, in various capacities, the Caestecker Library, the Dartford Historical Society, and the Thrasher Opera House. Her annual picnics on the patio that she and George hosted for Green Lake family and friends were treasured events.

Celest was a devoted member of the Federated Church of Green Lake and volunteered there in a variety of ways over the years.

During Sis’s nearly half-year illness, she and her family were, and remain, grateful for the wonderful care she received from ThedaCare Medical Center and Juliette Manor in Berlin, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital and Prairie Place Assisted Living in Ripon, caregivers, ambulance personnel—all the people who gave of themselves to help her along this journey. Thanks also to special friend Martha Janz, who was tireless in providing friendship, support, and help in navigating the complexities of care.

Celest was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Myron.


She is survived by her brother George, cousins, and many, many friends.

Services for Celest King will be held on Wednesday, September 28, at the Federated Church in Green Lake, the Reverend Karen Gygax Rodriguez officiating, with visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 and the service at 11:00, followed by a luncheon. Inurnment will take place in Dartford Cemetery.