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Board Bios: Meet Karen Wilhelms

25.08.25 Featured

Meet Karen Wilhelms, a dedicated leader whose personal and professional life reflects the values of servant leadership.

This year, Karen is celebrating 26 years at Silica For Your Home, where she serves as the Director of Operations and Human Resources. Her leadership extends beyond her workplace, as she actively serves on several boards, including:

  • Silica For Your Home – Treasurer/Secretary
  • Frontage Investments Inc. – Treasurer/Secretary
  • Fond du Lac Area Businesses on Health (FABOH) – President

In addition, she participates in the Fondy 100 Gives program, a local initiative through the Fond du Lac Area Foundation that fuels community impact through collective giving.

Karen began her role on the Sophia Board of Directors in August 2023, and was elected treasurer as of January 2025. But her journey with Sophia began years ago through the servant leadership programs, which resonated deeply with her values. 

“I love what Sophia stands for and its vision to help businesses develop their teams to be servants in the workplace as well as in personal life,” she shared. “I truly enjoy being a part of something positive and encouraging that helps others to grow and be better. Sophia is all about that.”

Her involvement allows her to continue spreading the principles of servant leadership while shaping environments where people can thrive.

Karen and her husband, David, have been married for 39 years and live in Fond du Lac. They have one daughter and son-in-law with two amazing grandsons who bring endless joy to their lives. Karen treasures the time spent with her family and looks forward to every moment they share. She and David enjoy time at their property in Northern Wisconsin, where they plan to retire someday.

Meet other Sophia associates + board members.

Written by Samantha King in Featured
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Board Bios: Meet Karen Wilhelms

Meet Karen Wilhelms, a dedicated leader whose personal and professional life reflects the values of servant leadership.

This year, Karen is celebrating 26 years at Silica For Your Home, where she serves as the Director of Operations and Human Resources. Her leadership extends beyond her workplace, as she actively serves on several boards, including:

  • Silica For Your Home – Treasurer/Secretary
  • Frontage Investments Inc. – Treasurer/Secretary
  • Fond du Lac Area Businesses on Health (FABOH) – President

In addition, she participates in the Fondy 100 Gives program, a local initiative through the Fond du Lac Area Foundation that fuels community impact through collective giving.

…

Read more

Board Bios: Meet Jeff Stueber

For Jeff Stueber, service isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a way of life. A longtime resident of Fond du Lac, he and his wife Brenda share a lively home with their five wonderful kids and two furry friends: Luna (dog) and Pistachio (cat). 

Professionally, Jeff has been shaping future leaders since 2011 as a professor of Small Business and Entrepreneurship at Moraine Park Technical College. With a Master’s degree in Education and Technology from Marian University, he brings both expertise and heart to the classroom, helping students turn their ideas into real-world impact.

…

Read more

Board Bios: Meet Paula Thalacker

A lifetime resident of Fond du Lac County, Paula Thalacker has spent her life growing deep roots in the community she calls home. Now, she continues to invest her time and talents into the place that has given her so much.

After a successful career as a mortgage lender, Paula retired from Bank First at the end of 2023, but retirement hasn’t slowed her down—instead, it’s opened new doors for community engagement. She serves on the City of Fond du Lac Board of Review and is an active member of Fondy 100 Gives.

Paula began her role on the Sophia Board of Directors in September 2022, and was elected president as of January 2025.

…

Read more

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