Karen Yvonne Hawkins

Karen Y. Hawkins, age 77, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her most-including her devoted companion and beloved dog, Hope.

Karen was born on December 7, 1948, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late Harris and Dolores (Rahn) Kraase. Throughout her life, she found her greatest joy in spending time with family, caring deeply for her treasured pets, and tending to her beautiful flower garden.

Karen was known for her sharp humor, trademark sarcasm, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved. She had a rare and remarkable ability to love others exactly as they were-offering unconditional acceptance, warmth, and authenticity. While she cherished all of her relationships, she shared an especially close bond with Hope, whose companionship brought her constant comfort and joy.

Karen is lovingly survived by her children, Richard (Lisa) Hawkins and Heather Hawkins Schwind; her brothers, Duane (Launa) Kraase, Gary Kraase (Sharon), Roger (Nancy) Kraase, and Ken (Amy) Kraase; her grandchildren, Savannah (Mike) Miranda, Alex (also known as Kyle) Tribble, Dom (Madison) Ramirez, AJ Payne (Ila), Kelsey (Seth) Weatherford, Tristen (Savannah) Hawkins, Ashley (David) Kannenburg, and Nathan Schwind; and her great-grandchildren, Rowan, Taeleigh, and Tyson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harris and Dolores Kraase.

A Celebration of Life with a luncheon will be held on May 17, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. and continuing until done at Menominee Park (Oshkosh), Shelter #1.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Bellin Hospital ICU team for their compassionate care, the Dimensions Living team for their dedicated support over the past several years, and to the many family members and friends who lovingly helped care for Karen throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Children's Diabetes Foundation (CDF):
🔗 https://www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org/ways-to-give-donate