Karen Michaels

Karen Michaels, age 83, of Princeton, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, WI. She was born on January 7, 1943, in Milwaukee, a daughter of Edward and Katherine (Bielski) Rausch.

On September 9, 1961, Karen married Robert “Bob” Michaels in Milwaukee. They shared 58 years of marriage at the time of Bob’s passing on June 11, 2020. For many years Robert and Karen opened their home to provide loving foster care for Milwaukee area children. Karen’s many hobbies included gardening, reading, working on puzzles, and dog obedience training. She had a deep love of family and loved spending time whether on the phone or in person with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her 5 children, Norman Michaels, Kathleen (Eric) Gulbronson, Jason (Kim) Michaels, Meredith (Scott) Villman, Christopher Michaels; 11 grandchildren, Jason Michaels, Kristen (Nick) Woelfel, Noah Michaels, Nylah Michaels, Allison (Josh) Noyes, Joshua Gulbronson, Chloe Gulbronson, Aaron (Jennifer) Michaels, Nicholas Villman, Samantha Villman, Aspen Michaels; 9 great grandchildren, Bennett, Brooks, Bowden, Crosby, Cecilia, Carson, Layla, Luther, Solara; sister, Darlene Olejniczak; many other relatives and friends; her faithful dog and companion, Ruby. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Katherine Rausch; husband, Robert Michaels; granddaughter, Brittany Michaels; brother, Edward Rausch II; sister, Rosalie Kwiecinski. 

A memorial service for Karen Michaels will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 12:00 p.m., at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 202 South Farmer St. in Princeton. Rev. Robert Busse and Rev. Charles Schultz will be the officiants. Please visit our website www.wachholzandsons.com to send a condolence or to share a memory of Karen with her family.

Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home

Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton

Serving the Family, 920-295-6631

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