Karen Lynn Meyer

Karen Meyer (nee Bloedorn), 76, was born into eternal life on August 29, 2026, surrounded by her family in the home she made for 44 years.

Karen was born May 26, 1950, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Margaret and Robert Bloedorn. She married the love of her life, Donald Meyer, on June 14, 1975, beginning a marriage filled with love, family, faith, friendship, and adventure.

Karen lived her life with unmatched grace and unparalleled love. Her strength came from her deep and unwavering faith and commitment to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, where she served since 1982.

Professionally, Karen worked for many years as a histotechnologist at Mount Sinai in Milwaukee and West Allis Memorial, where she brought care and dedication to her work. She also joined Don as a cofounder of Rock River Laboratory, helping build something meaningful alongside the life they were creating together.

Karen cherished her friendships and believed deeply in the importance of spending time with the people she loved. She enjoyed champagne, Cabernet, dancing, and, most of all, good company. Whether on the golf course, around the pool, or gathered around a table enjoying a great meal, Karen had a remarkable ability to make every occasion more memorable simply by being there.

Karen was resilient and a force of nature. She lived nearly a third of her life with lung cancer and, nearly five years ago, was told that she had six months to live. She proved them wrong. A quiet warrior, Karen was resourceful, determined, and unwilling to give up. She faced every challenge with courage and grace and carried that same spirit with her until the very end.

Above all else, Karen’s pride and joy was her family.

Karen loved Don unconditionally and cherished the life they built together. Side by side, they traveled the world, visiting Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Mexico, Germany, England, Holland, Brazil, England, Belgium, Switzerland, and Panama, along with cherished trips to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Hawaii. Their trips to France and Italy held a particularly special place in her heart, creating memories she carried with her throughout her life. Together, they also found joy in the quieter moments at home, sharing a love for their dogs and taking time to watch birds, simple pleasures that reflected the warmth and companionship at the center of their life together.

Her children, Zachery and Lauren, filled her life with wonderful memories and, as she would admit, a few grey hairs. She spoke often and fondly about her favorite moments raising them and treasured every chapter of their lives. Karen loved connecting with her children through long, deep conversations, through music, and through the occasional wonderfully unexpected comment or take on life that was uniquely her own. Her family grew when she welcomed Zac’s wife, Nikki, and Lauren’s husband, Mike, with the same open arms and unconditional love she gave to everyone she considered family.

Nothing brought Karen greater happiness than her granddaughters, Adalyn, Lydia, and Taylor. Cuddling, doing puzzles, swimming, snacking, and simply spending time together brought out her biggest smiles. She also loved watching whatever activities the girls were involved in, always proud to be present and cheering them on. Her grandchildren were among the greatest gifts in her life.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret “Marge” Bloedorn; her father, Robert Bloedorn; and her sister, Judee.

She is survived by her husband, Don; son, Zachery (Nikki) Meyer; daughter, Lauren (Mike) Ebert; granddaughters, Adalyn and Lydia Meyer and Taylor Ebert; brother, Dick (Sue) Bloedorn; sister-in-law, Sharon Gaynor; and many extended family members and friends who were fortunate to know her.

Karen’s legacy is one of faith, strength, friendship, and love. She was a quiet presence with a remarkable ability to make people feel cared for, valued, and welcome.

She fought hard, loved deeply, and lived fully. And after a life far longer than she was ever given, Karen is finally home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church or the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS)

A service to celebrate Karen’s life will take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church (210 E Pleasant St, Oconomowoc, WI 53066). Visitation from 9:00am-11:00am with a service to follow at 11:00am. A private family burial will take place following the service.