Karen F. Janssen, age 84, died at her home on July 1, 2023. Karen was born in Sturgeon Bay on August, 28, 1938, to the late Harold and Julie (Challe) Smith. She married Michael George Van Rixel at St. Joseph's Church in Sturgeon Bay and together, they raised their three sons before Michael's death in 2009. Karen was the owner/operator/genius behind Karen's Pizza in Kaukauna. She was empathetic and compassionate; she was a living example of "The Golden Rule". She always had the needs of others in mind, always outweighing her own. Karen was generous beyond belief, and a lover of both people and animals. Overall, she was just a beautiful, soft and caring woman who always had a magnificent smile on her face.

Karen is survived by her sons: Michael George Van Rixel II, Robert William Van Rixel, and Gregory Allen Van Rixel; her grandchildren: Ashley Van Rixel, Christopher Brisky, and Jamie Ott; and her great granddaughter, Maylee Brisky. She is further survived by her brothers: Roger (Barbara) Smith and Lloyd (Nancy) Ott; as well as other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Karen is preceded in death by her husband, Michael, and her sister, Eileen (Walter) Stoeger.

Visitation for Karen will be held August 10, 2023, at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute) beginning at 4:00 p.m. until its conclusion at 8:00 p.m.