Karen Marie Kozlowski (Tappa) died peacefully on December 31, 2025. She was born April 9, 1938, to Anthony and Elsa Tappa (Pleester) in Green Bay, Wisconsin and was the beloved sister of Sally Buckland and Connie Rasch. When she was 3 years old her family moved to Milwaukee. She grew up in the city and attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Holy Angels School, and Rufus King High School.

At age 12, Karen met Gerald Joseph Kozlowski. They became middle school sweethearts and married on February 7, 1959. Karen and Jerry raised 4 children, Thomas Gerald, JoEllen Marie, Kathryn Marie and Stephen Gerald. After purchasing their first home in Wauwatosa, they soon settled in Brookfield to raise their growing family.

Karen was a faithful Christian throughout her life. She openly shared her faith and modeled it by the woman she was. She was a devoted wife, mother, and was loved by many because of her warm heart, gentle spirit, and giving nature. Karen adored animals, especially her Newfoundlands. Seeing her with her dogs, much larger than she, was truly a sight.

As her family grew, Karen stepped into her role as Grandma and Great Grandma. Her 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her lifelong best friend and husband of 66 years, her parents Anthony and Elsa, and her sisters Sally and Connie. Karen is survived by her children, Tom Kozlowski (Marj), JoEllen Kozlowski (Patty), Kathy Fox (Rob), and Steve Kozlowski, her grandchildren Sarah Kozlowski, Billy Fox (Allison), Greg Kozlowski (Sophia), J.R. Fox (Valarie), Jackson Fox (Caroline), Alisha Fox, William Tushar, and her great grandchildren Addison, Marlie, Frances, Robbie, Deacon, Tyson, and soon to be, Elsie Marie Fox. She was a loving and cherished aunt to her nieces and nephews, a dear friend of 75 years to Pat Klinter, and will be fondly remembered by many other relatives and friends.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 12801 W. Fairmount Avenue in Butler, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 10:00am with Mass to follow at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Elmbrook Humane Society or the American Humane Society would be a fitting tribute to mom's love of animals.