Born to life September 6, 1953. Born to eternal life December 24, 2025. She died unexpectantly of natural causes. 

Karen was born to Raymond and Marie Gilbert, the youngest of five children. She grew up on the family farm in Sullivan and attended Concord Elementary and Watertown High Schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point. 

Karen began her teaching career in 1977 in the school district of Neillsville, WI. This began a lifelong love of teaching middle school students. She made extra effort in creating special projects and events. Her students loved the field trips to the Renaissance Fair and turning her classroom into a rain forest each year. 

She coached middle school girls’ basketball and high school girls track for several years. For a few years she also ran the gifted and talented program. Karen received “Teacher of the Year” awards and was active in the school district until her retirement in 2011 after 34 years of service. 

Karen made her home in Neillsville, developing deep ties to the community and making lifelong friends. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She had a special love of nature, whether it was tending to her beautiful hosta, day lily, and perennial beds, or helping with the family farm. 

She farmed with her brother Jim and sister Pat, making numerous trips between Neillsville and Sullivan, especially during planting and harvesting. 

She loved her family and time spent with them. Karen enjoyed traveling with family and friends and attending Milwaukee Brewers baseball games. She collected John Deere 2-cylinder tractors and was the proud owner of a John Deere 40 and 70. 

Karen began quilting in her retirement and with her sisters Helen and Pat, enjoyed visiting many quilt shops. She lovingly made beautiful quilts for family and friends. 

Karen was a loving and caring sister, aunt, and friend. She will be deeply missed by many. 

She was predeceased by her parents and a cousin, Joyce Kelchner. 

She is survived by her brother James (Carol) Gilbert of Sullivan; sisters Helen (Roger) Mattrisch of Jefferson, Patricia Gilbert of Sullivan, Diana (Jerry) Cohen of Boynton Beach, Florida; niece Angela Harman of Waukesha; nephews James A. Gilbert of Sullivan, Darin (Nick) Gilbert of Watertown, and Chad (Breanna) Gilbert of Delafield; as well as grandnieces, cousins, and many friends. 

Visitation to be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home, 900 West Racine Street, Jefferson, WI 53549, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. 

Additional visitation to be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1813 Black River Road, Neillsville, WI 54456, from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM. Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 11:30 AM.  

Private burial to take place in Siloam Cemetery of Palmyra, WI. 

Memorials if desired may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Neillsville, St. Lawrence Catholic Church of Jefferson, or a charity of one’s choice.