Karen Pat O'Gorman

Karen O'Gorman (née Jacobs), age 72, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Born on May 12, 1952, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Karen lived a life marked by resilience, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to those she loved.

Karen's early years were spent in Wauwatosa, where she attended St. Bernard Elementary School, Longfellow Middle School, and later graduated from Wauwatosa East High School. After high school, she embarked on a journey that would define her life not only through her work but also through the deep connections she made along the way.

Karen and her then-husband began their professional lives together by opening an auto service station in Milwaukee. Their shared entrepreneurial spirit eventually led them to Hustisford, Wisconsin, where they opened a marina. While working at the marina, Karen also served as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a nursing home in Hartford-an early reflection of her lifelong commitment to caring for others. Following the closure of the marina and the end of her marriage, Karen transitioned into a new chapter.

She began working at The Lone Pine, owned by her brother-in-law. It was there that she met her fiancé, Lynn Steinbach. Their bond grew alongside Karen's passion for the business. In 1997, she proudly purchased the establishment herself and transformed it into Karen's Lone Pine-a beloved local bar that became a cornerstone of the community. For nearly two decades, Karen poured her heart into her business. She welcomed patrons with warmth and wit, sharing stories and laughter with friends old and new. Her bar was more than just a business-it was a gathering place filled with camaraderie and joy. Whether hosting spirited Packers parties or simply catching up with regulars over a drink, Karen made everyone feel like family. Karen's zest for life extended far beyond her work.

In her younger years, she was an avid swimmer and even performed synchronized swimming routines. Summers were often spent traveling across the country with her family, creating memories that would be treasured for generations. A devoted Brewers fan, Karen especially cherished attending games at County Stadium with her father-a tradition she continued for as long as her health allowed. Football season brought another layer of excitement to Karen's life. Her Packer parties at the bar were legendary-filled with laughter, loyal fans, and playful superstitions like shouting "Get back in the kitchen!" after every touchdown to keep the team's luck alive. Bowling was another passion of Karen's. For many years, Wednesday nights were reserved for league play-a tradition she upheld faithfully until health challenges intervened. Her competitive spirit and infectious energy made her a cherished teammate and friend on the lanes.

Above all else, Karen was devoted to her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Patrick (Melissa) O'Gorman Jr., Joshua (Brandi) O'Gorman, Kathleen (James) Kolby, and Jeanne (Nicholas Hart) Uhing; her brothers Steven (Connie) Jacobs; Donald Jacobs; and her former husband Patrick (Elaine) O'Gorman Sr. She also leaves behind her 10 grandchildren; Isabelle, Nicholas, Andrew, Ilyssa, Red, Oliver, Eli, Evelyn, Samuel, and Nico; and multiple nieces and nephews, who brought immense joy to her life. Karen was preceded in death by her beloved fiancé Lynn Steinbach; her daughter Colleen O'Gorman; her father Kenneth Jacobs; her mother Patricia Jacobs (née Dwyer); and brother William Jacobs.

Karen's love knew no bounds. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel seen and valued-from lifelong friends to first-time visitors at her bar. Her children's friends often called her "Mom," a testament to the nurturing spirit that defined so much of who she was. Her faith as a Christian remained close to her heart throughout her life and served as a guiding light during both joyful times and moments of hardship.

Karen O'Gorman will be remembered for her strength, humor, generosity, and unwavering love for those around her. May her memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know her. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 26, 2025, from 06:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Sinissippi Lake Pub-N4571 County Road E. Hustisford, WI. We will be serving snacks and finger foods and most importantly Karen's Dip. Everyone that knew Karen knew that she loved the Fourth of July and always held a fireworks show. So as a tribute to her, we will be doing a "Final Bang" when the sun goes down in her honor.