Karen McDowell Obituary
September 19, 1958 – December 13, 2025
Karen Lynne McDowell (Kramer), 67, of Sturtevant, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 13, 2025, at 9:13 AM in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Karen was born on September 19, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, to William and Audrey Kramer. Throughout her life, she wore many hats with pride and dedication-working as a paper machine operator, delivery driver, waitress, and bartender. In each role, she brought her strong work ethic and dependability.
Above all, Karen cherished her family. She was a devoted mother to her son, Ian McDowell, and found immense joy in being "Grandma" to her granddaughter, Cora. Her home was filled with love-not only for her family but also for her three beloved cats: Ping, Bailey, and Izzy, who were her constant companions.
Those who knew Karen remember her as kind, passionate, and genuinely funny. She had a gift for making people laugh and a heart that welcomed everyone. Her love and humor touched countless lives throughout her 67 years.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey and William Kramer.
She is survived by her son, Ian McDowell; granddaughter, Cora McDowell; brothers, Greg and William Kramer; and her cherished feline companions.
Memorial Service
A celebration of Karen's life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with visitation from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, and a service at 4:00 PM, at Krause Funeral Home, 7001 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Karen L. McDowell, please visit our Tribute Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
7001 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, WI 53223
Make a Donation
in Karen McDowell's name
People and places connected with Karen
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Karen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Karen McDowell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
