Karen Ann
Goodreau
Karen Goodreau
Please click here to view the services held for Karen Goodreau on May 20th of 2023
Karen passed away unexpectedly May 5, 2023, aged 65. She was the beloved wife of 42 years of Randy Will, the loving mother of Katie Will (Nathan Kalmoe) and Alex Will, and the proud Gma of Olivia and Benjamin. She is survived by her siblings, Norbert (Nancy) Goodreau, Robert Goodreau, Ronald Goodreau, Christine (Karl) Tritchler, and Barbara (Dean) Byczynski, as well as nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Sharon (nee Supanich), stepfather John Sharon, and sister-in-law Connie Goodreau.
Karen was exceptionally giving and generous, not only to those she loved but to anyone whom she could help. More than anything, she cherished time with loved ones. Highlights included family vacations to Door County, Christmas at Grandma Helen’s, and 40-plus years of Holiday Dinners with our bonus family, at which she was a four-time Uno champ. A passionate educator, she spent over 20 years as a reading specialist with Franklin Public Schools, where she was beloved by students and colleagues. She spent her short retirement in a book club, gardening (excellently), working on home improvement projects, and enjoying her grandchildren, who had recently moved to Wisconsin from out of state. Her love of Barbiere’s garlic bread, peanut M&Ms, and Kopp’s custard are legendary. We will dearly miss her inquisitive mind, her practical wisdom, and her fierce love for us.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Make-A-Wish® Wisconsin , Next Door | Early Childhood Education in Milwaukee (nextdoormke.org), orLiteracy Services – Literacy Services of Wisconsin are appreciated.
Family and friends will gather on Saturday May 20, 2023 at Heritage Funeral Home, 9200 S. 27th Street in Oak Creek. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and will be followed by a Celebration of Karen’s Life at 12:00 Noon.
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Love you with my heart and soul too.
Our deepest sympathy to the Goodreau and Will families. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary and Debbie Dettman
Sisters in life and memories forever.
We will miss you
Love you, Karen
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You will always be in our hearts and we will remember your infectious laugh and craving for M&M’s…I know you are talking noodle soup recipes with Mom and Connie…with Kristopher and John standing ready…
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We miss you so much Karen, such wonderful memories we will cherish of our Holiday Dinners, our Christmas Cheers, and the many times we were together. over the many years of friendship. You will be forever in your hearts….
From Katie, Alex, and Randy:
We are all stirred & overwhelmed by the tremendous show of kindness, support & generosity our family has received during this difficult time of loss and grief.
We were likewise amazed and thankful at the turnout of 130+ family, friends, colleagues & close acquaintances for Karen’s Celebration of Life Ceremony. Thanks to our Master of Ceremonies, Robyn, and all the speakers – Katie, Christine, Bob, Mina, Molly, Karen, Gail, Liz & Amanda (with help from Kelly), and Pastor Todd – the ceremony truly was a fitting tribute to her amazing, inspiring, and well-lived life. Our hearts are filled with renewed joy & thankfulness for all the days we were blessed to spend with her.
We want to especially acknowledge Alex’s colleagues and all the staff at Luxe Golf Bays, who offered their generous support, and put on an incredible luncheon reception in Karen’s honor. We can never thank them enough.
We now look forward to extending & strengthening the bonds of love & friendship we have with you all in the time we have left to us. We can meet at Kopp’s Custard, or Barbiere’s Italian Inn; or, you can stop by & visit to grab some peanut M&M’s anytime.
God bless you all,
With deepest Love & appreciation,
Katie, Alex & Randy