Karen Welton

Karen Welton of the Town of Port Washington, a beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. She was 85 years old.

Karen was born in Ashland, Wis., the daughter of George and Eileen (nee Bidgood) Carlson.

She spent her early years in northern Wisconsin and graduated from Ashland High School with the Class of 1958. She developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work, community and the simple joys of living close to the land.

Education was important to Karen, and she pursued her passion for learning by earning a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. She went on to teach elementary school in the Adams–Friendship Area School District, where she touched the lives of countless children with her steady presence, patience and encouragement.

Karen’s working life reflected her versatility and tireless spirit. She managed the garden center at K-Mart in Grafton, a role that suited her love of plants and the outdoors. For more than 40 years, she drove school buses for Johnson Bus Co., becoming a familiar, friendly face to generations of students who relied on her each day.

Her faith was important to her, and she was a longtime member of the former St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Saukville.

True to her entrepreneurial and agricultural roots, Karen sold apples and fresh apple cider at the Port Washington farmers market, sharing the fruits of her labor with neighbors and visitors alike. On her homestead in the Town of Port Washington, she farmed with pride, raising chickens, tending her orchard and living the rural life she loved.

She was also a partner with her son in the development of Lange Estates, a project that reflected her forward-thinking nature and commitment to family.

Above all else, Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished attending her grandchildren’s events and being actively involved in their lives, always present, always supportive and always proud.

Karen is survived by her loving son Greg (Keely) Welton, her three beloved grandchildren, Somers, Isaac and Gabe, and her sister Jue (Dan) McDougal. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents George and Eileen, her brother Jon Carlson, and her former spouse Robert Welton.

A service celebrating Karen’s life will be held at a future date. Her legacy of hard work, kindness, independence and devotion to family will live on in all who knew and loved her.

She will be laid to rest at Holden East Cemetery in Port Washington.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Welton family.

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