Born on April 9, 1938, in Racine, Karen was the beloved daughter of Gladys and James H. Larsen, and cherished sister of Sondra (Larsen) Lang.
Karen graduated from Park High School and continued her studies at the University of Illinois before returning to Racine. She served as the director of student activities at UW Parkside.
Karen is survived by her two children, Megan A. (Bayer) Shapiro of Phoenix, AZ and Peter J. Bayer of Denver, CO. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Peter W. Bayer, Cole J. Bayer, Jay Shapiro, Taylor Shapiro, Annalise Shapiro, and Jack Shapiro.
Later in life, Karen moved to Denver, Colorado, to be closer to her grandchildren. She passed away in Denver after lengthy and courageous battle with Alzheimer's and Late-Stage Dementia.
Karen will be laid to rest in Racine, WI alongside her beloved parents Gladys and James H. Larsen in late June of 2025.
