Karen Ann

Jacobs

Karen Ann Jacobs, born February 22, 1957, in Racine, WI to William (Bill) Hellesen and Marilyn Heegeman (nee: Mathias), was the type of person you meet and never forget. She had a sense of humor that would leave you in stitches, an impeccable taste in music, knew her way around a car, conquered the grill, loved to play cribbage, and was known for her well accessorized outfits.

For all the tenacity she embodied, it was balanced with a natural maternal instinct. She loved her people deeply, and this is especially true of her children, for whom she loved fiercely and loyally. Her granddaughter Scarlet was her pride and joy, and she would gladly tell anyone she met about her “baby”.

Karen worked at Piggly Wiggly on Erie Street for over twenty years, having made deep connections with her colleagues and customers throughout her years of service.

She is survived by her son Jason Hess, daughter April Jacobs (Joshua Duck), granddaughter Scarlet Duck, her long-term partner Scott Larsen, sisters Lori Branthoover and Kathy Thornton, her brother Timothy (Gail) Hellesen, former husband Paul Jacobs and her many family and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother, father, stepfather Leroy Heegeman, stepmother Helene Hellesen, brother William (Billy) Hellesen, sister Cindy Hellesen and brother-in-law James Thornton.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, November 21, 2026, for a visitation from 9:30 am – 11:00 am. A service honoring and celebrating her life will follow at 11:00 am.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped care for Karen, especially her care team at Water’s Edge Health & Rehab.