Karen peacefully entered her eternal home on the morning of April 28, 2026. We deeply mourn her loss, but we celebrate knowing she is in the loving arms of her Savior. Karen was born on November 7, 1938, in West Allis, WI, to Albert and Rosalie Schmidt.

Karen graduated from Nathan Hale High School. Shortly after, she fell in love and married Robert (Bob) Karwowski. Together, they raised a family, traveled the world, and camped across the country in their van with their motorcycle in tow. They shared 62 wonderful years of love and laughter.

Karen had a deep devotion to family. She was the loving mother of Daniel and Kathy Karwowski, Stephen Karwowski, and Patricia (Peter) Karpfinger. She was a cherished grandmother to Alyssa (Brandon), Lauren, Max, Sarah, and Maycee; and a beloved great-grandmother to Evette, Margot, Chester, and Remy. She was also an adored aunt to Jessica and many other nieces and nephews.

Karen treasured every moment spent with her family. The boxes overflowing with birthday cards, invitations, grandchildren’s drawings, countdown calendars to Florida vacations, and other memorabilia were a testament to the love she held for them.

Karen found joy in music from an early age. She played the accordion at church functions at St. Matthias Parish in West Allis and performed at parties, weddings, and family celebrations. She later transitioned to the organ and eventually learned to play the piano. Knowing her love of piano had skipped two generations, she gifted her piano to her great-grandchildren with the hope they would learn to play and fall in love with music as she did. Music did not flow only from her fingers—she also loved to sing and was a member of the choir at St. Stephen’s in Oak Creek, WI. Karen was very active in her Catholic church, helping with meal programs and special fundraising events.

When Karen was not singing, she was golfing. She formed many lifelong friendships while playing locally and in tournaments across the country. Her rounds often ended with a cocktail, a game of cards, sometimes dinner, and always plenty of laughter. Karen was truly blessed to be surrounded by such a wonderful network of friends. A special thank you to Karen’s friends for the love and friendship they showed her over the years.

When her body no longer allowed her to play the sport she loved, she rode along in the golf cart with her son-in-law, Pete, often offering tips and pointers along the way. The round would always end with a “big one” and a toast to a good day.

Karen enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: car rides to see blossoming crabapple trees, sitting on her porch watching birds feed their young (thanks to Dan for creating such a welcoming bird habitat), spending time on the lake with family and friends, and enthusiastically cheering on her granddaughter at sporting events.

Throughout her 87 years, Karen touched many lives with her kindness, generosity of spirit, and infectious love of life. Although her passing leaves a void that can never be filled, she leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories for her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her son, Stephen; her three brothers, Charles, Gerald, and Dale; her sister, Marian; and her sister-in-law, Jackie.

A Christian service celebrating Karen’s life will be held May 7, 2026 with visitation at 10:00am and Mass at 11:00am at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church 1441 W Oakwood Rd, Oak Creek, WI 53154.

Karen’s family would like to thank Lakewood Memory Care for the dignified and compassionate care they provided during Karen’s final months. A special thank you to the Brighton Hospice team and the Lakewood staff for arranging the heartfelt Honor Walk for Karen and her family—it is a memory that will be cherished forever.