Karen Kellner

Mrs. Karen Kellner of Cedarburg passed away Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, while surrounded by her loving family. She was 85 years old.

Karen was born in Milwaukee on Feb. 12, 1940, the daughter of Raymond and Carolyn (nee Volkmann) Klipfel.  

She attended local schools and graduated from Washington High School with the  Class of 1957 before taking a job at North Division High School and becoming the youngest school secretary in the Milwaukee Public Schools system.

Always a woman who loved fun, Karen became the president of the Four Aces Fan Club, a pop quartet group. 

On Sept. 7, 1963, Karen was united in marriage with Jack Kellner in Milwaukee.  The couple later moved to the Thiensville- Mequon area and raised their family. After the kids graduated high school, Karen and Jack moved to Saukville and then moved again in 2006 to their home in Cedarburg, Wis.

In 1988, Mrs. Kellner opened a clothing boutique and consignment shop in Shorewood. Karen’s Calling later moved to Sheboygan. In 1995, Karen opened the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Sheboygan, right next door to Karen’s Calling, and she ran both stores for many years. 

Mrs. Kellner was a past member of Trinity Evangelical West Mequon Church.  She was an avid Badgers, Brewers, Bucks and Packers fan. She enjoyed shopping and travel. She always considered herself to be very lucky.

Those left to cherish her memory include her beloved husband Jack, their children Nancy Kellner of Cedarburg, Todd (Tracy) Kellner of Mequon and Jacqueline (Elliott) Hillback of Libertyville, Ill., and her eight cherished grandchildren, Douglas, Julius, Maddie, Alison, Abigail, Caroline, Davis and Stella. She is further survived by her sister Kaye Klipfel of Grafton and her brother-in-law Ted (Mary) Kellner, as well as many other family members and friends.  

Karen was preceded in death by her infant son Jack, her parents and many beloved pets.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Eernisse Funeral Home in Cedarburg, 1167 Washington Ave. Funeral services will be held immediately following, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the funeral home.

Karen will be laid to rest during a private family service at Pinelawn Cemetery in Milwaukee at a later date. 

If desired, memorials are suggested to breast cancer research in Karen’s name in lieu of flowers.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Maul and his staff for the outstanding care they have provided, as well as thanks to the staff at Newcastle Place and Aurora for all of their care, help and compassion.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.