Karen R. Raffel

Karen R. Raffel passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the age of 86, after a short struggle with lung cancer, despite never being a smoker.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, James E. Raffel. She is survived by her son David and family, Karen, Katie, and Ava, as well as her son Michael and family, Jannell McDonald and children Christopher, Courtney, and Hayden, and her nephew, Mark Trameri and his family Julie, Katie and Matthew.

Karen was born in Beloit, Wisconsin and soon moved to Middleton, WI, where she was raised by her parents Roland and Ormal (Shipley) Busch. She worked at the local movie theater in high school and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she also danced as a ballerina. At the age of 23, Karen married her husband, James E. Raffel, and moved with him to Sheboygan, WI, where she lived for the rest of her life. She worked as a social worker for two years before becoming a mother to her first son at the age of 25.

Karen was a beautiful dancer and pianist. She was a sharp woman with a quick mind and a competitive spirit. She loved playing cards with her granddaughters and asking about their boyfriends. She was a long-time member of The Shoreline Women’s Club and Pine Hills Country Club. She played both golf, and miniature golf, but especially liked playing (and winning) at the Red Putter in Door County. She was a fan of everything Disney and loved watching the Country Bear Jamboree. She gave the best scratches that any dog could ever ask for. She collected hundreds of stuffed teddy bears throughout her life and adored having them fill her home. Her recipes for Italian meatballs, Chex party mix, pumpkin raisin cookies, and German pfefferneusse will be made and remade for many more generations to enjoy. She was irrefutably proud of her children and grandchildren and of all their achievements, both big and small.

A small commemorative dinner for family and a few close friends will be held in honor and memory of Karen on Friday, June 5th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center Innovation Fund online or by mail at https://www.supportuw.org/how-to-give/mail/