Karen S. Lawson

Karen Lawson (Zahn)

June 9, 1951 – November 5, 2024

Karen Lawson (Zahn), age 73, of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in her sleep, at home on November 5, 2024. Born in Milwaukee on June 9, 1951, Karen was the daughter of Raymond and Eleanore Zahn.

In her youth, Karen dreamed of becoming a nurse and was a member of the Future Nurses Association at Custer High School in Milwaukee. Although she initially focused on family life and raising children, which delayed her path, she never gave up on her dream. At the age of 43, she graduated from Concordia University with a bachelor’s in nursing. Her healthcare journey began at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Port Washington, and after earning her degree, she worked at Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee, St. Joseph’s Emergency Department, and the call center at Froedtert. Karen was a woman of deep compassion, warmth, and kindness. Her gentle nature and comforting presence left a lasting impact on all those she cared for.

Her family and friends knew Karen as a person who was open-hearted. She had an incredible ability to make others feel valued. This paired with a playful sense of humor and infectious laughter which made even the smallest moments joyful.

Karen is survived by her loving partner of 27 years, Brian Christopherson; The father of her children and former-spouse Allen Lawson, her children, Corey (Lisa) Lawson and Kelly (Eli) Miller; and her adored grandchildren, Sydney Lawson, Olivia Miller, Madelyn Lawson, Emma Miller, and Henry Miller. She is also survived by her many friends, and extended family, who will all miss her warmth and kind spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Eleanore Zahn (Boettcher).

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a service from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, W63 N527 Hanover Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association or the American Kidney Fund in Karen’s name.

Karen’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for others—whether human or animal—will continue to inspire and comfort all who knew her. Her legacy of compassion and joy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.