Karen Lynn Welnicke, age 70, a resident of Manitowoc, went peacefully to her heavenly home on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at her home.

Karen was born on March 29, 1954, in Manitowoc, the daughter of the late Orville and Esther (Schley) Rassmussen. She was a 1973 graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School. On September 9, 1972, Karen married the love of her life, Terry A. Welnicke. They started a family together and Karen loved her 4 boys. Later, when they started their own families, Karen's love grew to include them as well. She loved music and dancing, and spending time with her family. Karen enjoyed traveling to many countries with Terry and many places around the United States. Karen was a hard worker and took pride in her home and family.

Karen is survived by her husband of 52 years, Terry; sons: Terry L. (Dawn) Welnicke, Manitowoc; Tony (Kari) Welnicke, Oshkosh; Travis (Jennifer) Welnicke, Two Rivers; and Troy (Cassie) Welnicke, Manitowoc; 12 grandchildren: Trever and Sarah Welnicke; Westyn and Rylan Welnicke; Addison Welnicke; McKenzie (Tristan), Nolan, and Landon Price; Eleanor and Baby Welnicke; Charlotte and Henry Hartfield; her cats Gracie and Maddie; siblings: Evie (Gerald) LeClair, Manitowoc; Marie Rohr, Manitowoc; Doris Sitman, Manitowoc; Joyce (Steven) Vetter, Newton; Diane Klein (Al Levenhagen), West Allis; sister-in-law and best friend Jeri Rasmussen, Manitowoc; brothers-in-law: Leslie Behnke and Edward Reznichek, Manitowoc; Steve Welnicke, Two Rivers; and Larry (Debbie) Welnicke, Manitowoc. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Esther Rasmussen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ervin and Jeanne Welnicke; brothers, Orville K. "Orv" Rasmussen and Kenneth Rasmussen; sisters, Esther Behnke and Donna Reznichek; brothers-in-law, Robert Sitman and Lloyd Rohr; sister-in-law, Joan Welnicke; niece, Vicki Vetter; nephew, Edward J. "Eddie" Reznichek; and great-nephew, Hayden Rasmussen.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Please check back for service details.

The family would like to thank everyone that cared for and loved Karen over the last several years. A special thanks to Amy Baumann and the caregivers of Sharon Richardson Hospice. Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.