Karen M. Nielsen, 68, passed away in Wheaton Franciscan Hospital-All Saints on Saturday, July 7, 2012. She was born in Racine on February 20, 1944, the daughter of the late Erhardt and Edith Nielsen.

Karen was a lifelong member of Atonement Lutheran Church where she volunteered and served as an usher. She was a hairdresser for over 35 years, and for the last 10 years had been employed by Limtech. Karen also volunteered at Wheaton Health Care for the past 5 years. She enjoyed doing crafts and watching the Brewers.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Ollie and Alberta Nielsen; sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Don Fenning; nephew, Brian Nielsen, great nieces, Kayley and Delaney Nielsen, all of Racine; niece, Sheri (Jeff) Sundstrom; great nephews, Scott and Tanner Sundstrom, all of Austin, TX, other relatives, and friends.

Her funeral service will be celebrated in Atonement Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Ave., on Thursday, July 12 ^th , at 12 O'clock noon, with Rev. Dana O'Brien officiating. Visitation will be held in the church on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In keeping with Karen's wishes cremation will follow and private burial will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. If you wish, memorials can be directed to Atonement Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.

The family would like send a special thank you to Dr. Michael

Mullane and his entire staff for their loving care and support

given to Karen and her family during her short illness.