Karen Ann Grimm

Karen Ann Grimm, age 80, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, at Three Pillars Senior Living in Dousman, Wisconsin, under the compassionate care of Allay Hospice.

Karen was born on September 3, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Emil and Esther Schmitz. After graduating from Pulaski High School, she began her career at Wisconsin Electric (now We Energies) in 1964.

In 1970, Karen married Donald "Buddy" Grimm, and together they raised two children in Oconomowoc. She took what she called a "13-year maternity leave" before returning to We Energies, where she worked until her retirement in 2007.

Karen was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. Being a mother was her proudest accomplishment, followed closely by her Cathedral Window quilt, stitched entirely by hand. She loved knitting, crocheting, and quilting, and was an avid bowler with the Tuesday morning Busy Bees league at Classic Lanes. She volunteered at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital and she especially looked forward to helping mail the We Energies Cookie Books each year.

Karen had a wonderful sense of humor and could always find something to laugh about, even on the hardest days. A proud kidney cancer survivor since 2009, she met every challenge with courage and grace. She was also a lifelong fan of Wisconsin sports and cheered loyally for the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ronald Schmitz; and her beloved husband, Buddy. She is survived by her daughter, Sandy (Eddie) Mason; her son, Randy Grimm; many nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Three Pillars and Allay Hospice for the kindness, dignity, and loving care they gave Karen.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, at Glenview Memorial Gardens in Ixonia, Wisconsin. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Karen's name may be made to Three Pillars Senior Living Communities, Attn: Development Department, 314 E. Village Ct., Dousman, WI 53118, or online at www.ThreePillars.org.