Dr. Karen A. Kapke

Dr Karen A Kapke

Life is but a journey, heaven is our home, and Karen went home at the age of 78 on May 16th 2026.

She was born on August 12, 1947. She was the daughter of the late Allen and Betty Kapke. Karen earned a degree in nursing, which she loved. She continued on to earn her PHD in nursing. She taught nursing for many decades at many different universities around the country, helping to instruct and produce thousands of nurses during her lifetime. She was always a patient advocate and was always looking for ways to improve the nursing process.

When her children Samantha and Joel came into her life they became the joy and light of her world. The recent addition of her two grandchildren added even more light to her life. She would beam whenever she talked about them.

Karen enjoyed many hobbies, the most important of which was being a hockey mom. She loved fishing on Columbus Lake and any time she could be in a boat or the pier casting her baits into the water were happy times. She caught her muskie which is every fisherman's dream. She enjoyed board games, puzzles, swimming, reading and art. In the last years of her life, she was enjoying art classes and had become quite good at painting.

Karen is survived by her daughter Samantha (Jeremy) Reetz; son, Joel (Jess)Kapke and two beautiful grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister Laurie (Mark) Hogan. Sister-in-law Mary Kapke. Nieces Amanda ( Jeremy) and Brenda. Nephews: Eric (Katherine), Brian, Marc (Jo), Michael (Millicent), Sean, and Caleb. She touched all their lives in many ways. She is also survived by many friends and relatives.

The family would also like to thank the care giver Justine who was at Karen's side providing a helping hand she really appreciated you. Thank you for being with us at the end, it meant a lot

She is proceeded in death by her loving parents Allen and Betty Kapke and wonderful brother Thomas.

A funeral service for Karen will be held on Wednesday May 27, 2026. With visitation starting at 3 PM at Whitnall Park Lutheran Church address of 5847 Lilac Lane in Hales Corners WI. The service will begin at 5 PM. Interment on May 28, 2026 at 1100 will take place at Highland Memorial Park which is in New Berlin.