Karen “Duckie” E. Olsen, 82, of Glendale, WI, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on January 7, 2023 following complications from an illness.

Karen was born on November 10, 1940, to Roy E. and Evelyn L. Olsen in Milwaukee, WI. Karen spent her childhood and school-age years in Milwaukee, WI. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Carroll University in 1962. While at Carroll, she was a member of the sororities Sigma Kappa, Kappa Sigma Delta, Tri Beta and Alpha Mu Tau. In 1975, she completed a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Karen served in the Medical Technology field for 36 years at Mount Sinai Hospital/Mount Sinai Medical Center. She later retired as the Administrative Director of the Laboratory. Karen had an immense passion for her field as was demonstrated by her involvement on numerous med tech boards as well as her membership with The American Society for Medical Technology (ASMT). In June 1979 she was awarded the Professional Achievement Award in Administration from ASMT. She enjoyed being a leader, mentor, and educator.

Karen had a love for traveling and visited many tropical locations including Jamaica, Aruba, and Grand Cayman. She especially enjoyed snorkeling and eating conch in Grand Cayman. She also took several cruises, including an Alaskan cruise with her great niece, Kelsey.

Karen was also passionate about animals. She adored her dog Webster, whose spirit now rests along with hers. She was also involved with the Zoological Society and WI Humane Society.

She was a wonderful aunt, cousin, and friend. She enjoyed cooking and hosting gatherings for her family and friends. She loved creating traditions with her great-nieces including the Great Circus Parade every summer and the Nutcracker ballet followed by hot fudge sundaes every Christmas. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and was very active in her Presbyterian church. Karen also had a sweet tooth and could often be found watching Peeps “puff up” in her microwave.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents Roy (1974) and Evelyn (1996), her brother George J. Krause (1981), and nephews Edward Krause, James Krause, and Richard Krause. Her memory lives on with her niece Kerry (Bruce) Kemnitz, and nephews William (Lynn) Krause, and Charles (Cindy) Krause. She is also survived by 15 great-nieces and nephews, 28 great-great-nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends.

A public memorial will be held at Schmidt & Bartelt in Mequon on April 21, 2023. Visitation will begin at 10AM with the service to follow at 11AM.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society, an organization she felt strongly about.