Karen J. Eilers
November 11, 1956 – October 20, 2026
Karen J. Eilers, 69, of Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, surrounded by the love that defined her life.
Born on November 11, 1956, in West Allis, Wisconsin, Karen was the daughter of the late Richard and Doris “Jean” (Smrz) Carlson. She graduated from West Milwaukee High School in 1974. On August 12, 1989, she married the love of her life, Anthony J. Eilers, at St. Rita Parish. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, strength, and unwavering devotion to one another.
Karen dedicated 27 years of her life to UPS, proudly concluding her career at the customer service counter. Her warm, welcoming personality, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on those she met. She often shared how much she enjoyed meeting new people, finding joy in the conversations and connections she made along the way.
Despite the health challenges she faced, Karen was a woman of strength, courage, and selflessness. Her love for her family was her greatest source of strength, inspiring her to persevere through life's challenges. She consistently placed the needs of her loved ones before her own, never allowing her health struggles to overshadow the joy of spending time and creating cherished memories with her family.
Karen was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan who loved shopping and transforming her home into a Christmas wonderland each year. She found peace and comfort in the horse barn, a place she considered her sanctuary, especially when spending time with her beloved horse, Dusty. She also cherished time with her dog, Ollie, and the special memories made during trips to Milaeger’s with her sister, Kathleen.
Above all else, Karen adored her grandchildren. They were her world, and no matter how tired she felt, she always found the time and energy to create special memories with them. From carving pumpkins and decorating Easter eggs to baking Christmas cookies, she treasured every moment they shared. When she was with her grandchildren, it was as though time stood still, and nothing else in the world mattered.
Karen’s greatest gift was the love she gave so freely, her selflessness, and her unwavering dedication to making sure her family was always cared for. This Christmas, we find comfort in knowing she is celebrating in heaven with God, whole again, healthy again, and reunited with Nanny, Papa, and Uncle Rick. Free from the pain she so often kept hidden, she is finally at peace. Though she is no longer here to share in the moments she cherished most, her love remains. It lives on through the family she held so dear, the memories they share, and the beautiful traditions they will continue to carry forward in her honor.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, Anthony “Tony” Eilers; her children, Kyle (Christine) Oppenheimer, Kristi (Brad Nelson) Willms, and Kayla (David) Kettinger; her cherished grandchildren, Alyvia, Austin, Jayleigh, Noah, Ellie, Lainey, Avery, and Benjamin; her brother, Jim (Deb) Carlson; her sister, Kathleen (Marty) Thome; and her sister-in-law, Carol Carlson.
In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Rick Carlson.
Karen’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Joel Niebuhr, Dr. Steven Welka, Kimberly Van Buren, NP, and the entire Aurora care team for their compassion, dedication, and commitment to ensuring Karen was as comfortable as possible throughout her journey. Your kindness and care brought comfort not only to Karen but also to her family.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Purath-Strand Funeral Home. Relatives and friends may meet with the family from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, are suggested.