Lucia Karker was born Martha Ida Lucia Karker on December 20, 1895 in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. Subsequently her name was changed to Lucia Martha Karker. Her parents
John and Elizabeth (Rasch) Karker operated a meat market in Milwaukee. Her early
lessons in stitchery at the old Notre Dame Convent on North Jefferson Street laid
the groundwork for her wide career in geometric and modern design. She specialized
in decoupage, collage and stitchery but worked also in wood, enamel and composed
mobiles before Alexander Calder was popular. She exhibited her works extensively
both in the United States and in Europe. She lectured regularly at the Milwaukee Art
Center and elsewhere. She also wrote poetry and stories. She married Erich C. Stern
on March 8, 1930 and died March 17, 1987.
Erich Cramer Stern was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 8, 1879 to Carl G.
and Alma (Cramer) Stern. He attended public elementary schools in Milwaukee and the
University School. He received his A.B. and L.L.B. from Harvard University, his
doctorate at the University of Paris and studied at the University of Berlin. For
most of his career he practiced law in Milwaukee and also taught law at Marquette
University from 1910-1920, served as a Milwaukee Alderman 1908-1910 and as a state
legislator 1910-1912. He died February 18, 1969.
