Karen Rose May, age 64, of Hayward, WI passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Altoona, WI.

Karen Rose was born July 20, 1960, in Champaign, IL, the daughter of Roland and Nancy (Rose) Freels. She was raised in Northbrook, IL where she attended grade school and graduated from Glenbrook North High School. She was joined in marriage to Douglas May on October 25, 1980, in Glenview, IL and they settled in Vernon Hills, IL. Together they had a daughter, Christina. Karen worked multiple positions for a department store called Venture before taking a job with Topco Associates. Karen would work with Topco until her retirement in 2014. Upon retiring, Karen moved to Hayward, WI where she was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and worked as church secretary. Karen enjoyed reading, cooking family dishes, playing card games until she wins, and was an avid Chicago Bears fan and a devoted cat mom. Her strong will and tenacious attitude will be remembered by her family.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Christina of Rolling Meadows, IL; two sisters, Linda (Craig) Cunningham of Schaumburg, IL, Cathi (Mike Baker) Ellingen of Island Lake, IL; two brothers, Ray (Lynn Morgenthaler) Freels of Minneapolis, MN, Ray (Jackie) Ellingen of Menomonee Falls, WI; sister-in-law, Linda (John) Baumgart; several nieces and nephews - Trever, Hedy, Laura, Tony, Mary, Stephanie & Alex.

She was preceded in death by her parents, stepmom, Carol Freels, and brother-in-law, Kris Krause.

A memorial service will be held for Karen at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayward with Pastor Ray Berquist officiating. A time of gathering will be held at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church. Interment will be at a later time at the Ridgewood Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Trinity Lutheran Church or The Northwoods Humane Society are appreciated.

Last Update: Mar 07, 2025 1:25 pm CST