Service Details
Funeral services celebrating Karen’s life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:00 am with Deacon Eloy Contreras officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 – 10:00 am.
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Karin’s love of animals was woven into so many of her happiest days. Sharing her curiosity and compassion with her children and grandchildren brought her great joy, and her passion became a lasting thread in the fabric of their family. The Omaha Zoo held special meaning – a place that reflected this passion and continues to be a part of her family’s story. Additionally, Karin cherished her family. In 2020, when her granddaughter faced breast cancer, she was deeply grateful for the support provided through Comforting Hands – Aurora, which helped ensure she received the care and strength needed during that difficult time. Thus, in lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to the Omaha Zoo Foundation or Comforting Hands – Aurora, in gratitude for all they have brought to Karin’s deepest love, her family.
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Karin Lynn (nee: Hoppe) Wells, age 90, passed away peacefully Monday morning, February 9, 2026 at Lakeshore at Siena-Shorelight Memory Support, following a 5-year journey with dementia. It was with the help of her extended family at Shorelight that kept Karin’s spunk, spice & smile until the day she passed.
Karin was born in Racine, WI on September 20, 1935 to the late Ernest and Viola (nee: Petersen) Hoppe. She attended Washington Park High School “Class of 1953” and went on to receive her degree in education from UW-Milwaukee. She taught at Knapp School for two years before marrying the love of her life, Guy J. Wells. They were united in marriage on September 17, 1960 in St. Lucy Catholic Church (when it located on Howe Street). From that point on, Karin fulfilled her dream of being a doting housewife and full-time mother extraordinaire. Occasionally, she did help at the family business, Wells Brothers Restaurant, a Racine tradition that lives on today.
Karin loved being involved with her entire family, especially her girls. Karin was involved with Brownies & Girl Scouts and all other activities that Paula & Marsha joined and was one of the self-proclaimed matriarchs of Lincolnshire Drive. The family has so many memories from traveling around the country together in their 1970 Ford Pick-Up camper. She enjoyed cooking, crafts, cross stitch, quilting, homemade Christmas ornaments, supporting Guy’s hunting hobbies and Racine Instinctive Bowmen membership, and absolutely loved being a grandmother to Ashley & Megan. Years later, her face would beam with pride as she was surrounded by her great-grandchildren that affectionately called her “GiGi”. For years, Karin could be found every morning at the family table of Wells Brothers with Guy, Tony & Dorothy, and Babe & Bob, where they shared a meal and played countless games of Cribbage. They are now all back together again at the table in Heaven.
Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Paula & Jim Huck; grandchildren, Ashley (JR) Kizewic and Megan (Tim) Rachal; great-grandchildren, Lucca Rachal; Tess, Bre & Brooke Kizewic; nieces and nephews, Maribeth (Mark) Osmundsen, Mike (Lynn) Molinaro, Jan (Lori) Molinaro, Jim Wells, Bob (Jean) Wells, Lynn Wells, Kathy (Steve) Abernethy, Bill (Lisa) Rivers, Tom Rivers, Ann (Mike) Gillis, Theresa (Kevin) Rivers-Meyer and Debbie (Keith) Bradley; devoted caregiver, DeDee Ivanova; other dear relatives and friends –too numerous to mention all by name.
In addition to her parents, Karin was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Guy, on September 18, 2015; dear daughter, Marsha Wells; brother-in-law, Anthony “Tony” (Dorothy) Wells; sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Gene) Molinaro and Florence “Babe” (Robert) Rivers; beloved nephew, Gary Rivers; niece, Connie Rivers; special cousin, Beverly Laycock; and by Guy’s parents, James and Rose (nee: DeMark) Wells.
Funeral services celebrating Karen’s life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:00 am with Deacon Eloy Contreras officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 – 10:00 am.
Karin’s love of animals was woven into so many of her happiest days. Sharing her curiosity and compassion with her children and grandchildren brought her great joy, and her passion became a lasting thread in the fabric of their family. The Omaha Zoo held special meaning – a place that reflected this passion and continues to be a part of her family’s story. Additionally, Karin cherished her family. In 2020, when her granddaughter faced breast cancer, she was deeply grateful for the support provided through Comforting Hands – Aurora, which helped ensure she received the care and strength needed during that difficult time. Thus, in lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to the Omaha Zoo Foundation or Comforting Hands – Aurora, in gratitude for all they have brought to Karin’s deepest love, her family.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff at Shorelight Memory Support (especially Lydia, Kavitha, Kiera, Jennifer, Carly, Cali, Shanita, Stephanie and so many more), St. Croix Hospice (especially Tammy, Danielle, Kathy & Kimberly) and to Deacon Eloy Contreras for the compassionate care & support given in Karin’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
Heidi Jensen-Sheckles says
I met Mrs Wells way back in the 70’s when Paula and I became friends. I enjoyed a few meals at their home and thought Karin was one of the coolest moms. I later would see her on a regular basis, along with Guy, at Wells Bros, where I became a bus girl.
Heaven definitely gained a lovely angel this week, and she will be missed terribly. My sincere sympathies go out to Paula and her family. May God wrap her arms around her and give her peace. May Paula feel her mother’s love through the words of God, and find comfort knowing she has received a new body, a clear mind, and will live forever in his kingdom. God bless the family too oh Lord.
Rich and Terry Kropp says
So sorry for your loss
Our sympathy
Anonymous says
So sorry for your loss Paula and Jim in the entire family we are deeply sad and we have so many wonderful memories of your parents and how kind they were to all of us, including my family and the children many prayers, Jerry and Judi Wells and family
Melody Patrie says
Heartfelt sympathies to Paula & Jim and the entire Wells family.
I remember fondly when “the elders” gathered at their regular table to play cribbage and visit, and welcomed customers like us to join them.
I looked forward to those weekly gatherings. They were such wonderful people.
Deepest sympathies to all of you. Rest in peace dear Karen.
Ruffalo Ron says
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Was always a pleasure to see your parents at the restaurant and sitting at the family table.
María De León says
Sorry for your loss Paula
Don and Clara Pappenfuss says
So Sorry for your loss, Paula and Jim. Our deepest Condolences to all the Wells and Huck Family in the loss of this Wonderful Lady.
Barbara Greco says
Karin and I met in kindergarten and became fast friends that lasted all these many years. There are so many memories that I will cherish like playing at each other homes, she teaching me tap dance steps, going on picnics are just a few. Her parents, Ernie and Vie, were very special to me too. Enjoy heaven Karin with all the family and friends who are waiting for you. God Bless.