Karen A. Ellefson

Born to life: March 23, 1945

Born to Eternal Life: March 14, 2024

Karen Ann (Zbikowski) Ellefson was reunited with the love of her life, Julian Ellefson, at home with her daughters on March 14, 2024. Karen, a 25-year survivor of breast cancer, fought a strong and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer and can now be at peace enjoying golf, video poker, a good book, and delicious meals, while joining the saints in heaven.

Karen married Julian on November 2, 1968. She was a proud mother to Kirsten (Ellefson) and Jody Foyles of Southern Pines, NC and Lindsay (Ellefson) and Joe Haas of Sussex, WI and six beloved grandchildren: Keegan, Kayden and Lauren Foyles, and JJ, Gabby, and Ellie Haas. Karen was proceeded in death by her mother and father, Mary and Stanley Zbikowski, and brother, Greg Zbikowski.

Karen was a proud Badger, active member of her Condo Owners Association, local book club, and women’s golf league. In her partial retirement, Karen enjoyed working the polls on election day, traveling with family and friends, and spending time with her kids and grandkids. Karen was a 1968 graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison Physical Therapy program. She passionately worked to heal others. In her professional life, Karen worked with local college athletic programs and Milwaukee Area professional athletic teams and owned and operated four physical therapy clinics in Waukesha County, continuing to work part time as a P.T. until her diagnosis date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to support the UW – Madison Physical Therapy Student Scholarship Fund can be made in her name through the web link: https://secure.supportuw.org/give/?id=ccd3932f-db45-498a-a1a2-9e0cc9cf68e9&tribute=memory or by using the following QR code:

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 5:00 PM on Monday, March 18, 2024 at St. Charles Catholic Church; 313 Circle Drive, Hartland, Wisconsin.