Karen Marie Westenberger, 55, Green Bay, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, after losing her battle with cancer.  She was born on December 4, 1967, to Philip and Monica (Portmann) Westenberger.  She graduated from New Holstein High School in 1986 and continued her education at UW-Green Bay, where she ran on the first ever UW-GB cross country team.  She received her bachelor's degree in accounting in 1990 and proceeded to earn her CPA.  She started her career at Shopko Corporate Office before moving to Schneider, where she has been employed for the past 20 years, remaining dedicated to her career until her final days.  Karen always strived to provide exceptional quality of work.

When Karen committed herself, she did it fully and with great joy. She participated in Girl Scouts in her youth and continued her love for scouting by becoming an adult leader.  Karen was instrumental in shaping many young girls' lives throughout her 23 years of service. She was also dedicated to Big Brothers Big Sisters for 15 years, impacting the lives of her Littles, and was honored with the Match of the Year award.

In Karen's personal time, she enjoyed many hours of crafting, making homemade cards and scrapbooking for family and friends.  She always looked forward to planning and participating in the annual craft weekend. She enjoyed running with her friend Nikey and participated in many running events, including 30 consecutive years of the Bellin Run.  She participated in the family tradition of sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago and filled her winters with downhill skiing trips.  Karen was always up for an adventure, be it through Europe, National Parks or tropical paradises.  She also looked forward to the Hodag Country Festival with all her friends at Camp Dolly.  Karen met her lifelong friend, Lisa, at an out of state 4-H exchange program, and they have been there for each other through thick and thin.  Karen truly embodied the spirit of love, kindness and empathy.  Her energy was contagious.

Karen will be missed by Jeff Jacobs, who stayed by her side through every moment, and Jeff's son, Adam (Erin), who Karen nurtured as her own.  Karen leaves behind her mother, Monica; brother, Doug Westenberger (Lisa); two sisters, Donna Westenberger and Tammy (Steve) Riebe and their children, Alex, Eric and Sara.  She is further survived by the Jacobs family, Ann (Terry) Holterman, Amy Wilson, Russ Jacobs, Jr., Marcia (Tod) Melotte, Melissa Nelson, Molly (Tim) Kinney, and Katie (Tony) Mace; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Philip and other family members.

Visitation will be at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, August 20 with a Sharing of Memories to start at 6: 45 p.m. Sunday.  The visitation will continue at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1484 Ninth St., from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, August 21.  The Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday at church with Rev. Patrick C. Beno officiating.  To send online condolences, please go to  www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

Karen's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends that visited, took her to appointments and lunch, especially her friends from The Preserve.