May 5, 1956 - March 10, 2021 Janesville, WI - Karen Lee Warmke, age 64, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2021, at Mercyhealth Hospital & Trauma Center in Janesville following complications from a stroke. Karen lived 64 wonderful years, in that time filling her days with travel, people she loved, and things that brought her joy. Karen was born on May 5, 1956, in Syracuse, New York, the daughter of Lee and Marilyn Woodmansee and the sister of Tom and Lynn. The family later moved to Cambridge, Wisconsin, where Karen graduated high school in 1974. She was a 1978 graduate of UW-Eau Claire and, after teaching special education, she completed her master's degree in Health and Wellness. In 1985, Karen married Steve and together they made Janesville their home. Karen was an educator, not only in the classroom but also in so many aspects of life. She was a familiar face throughout all the years her kids were in school, attending every recital, presentation, and sporting event. She was a passionate advocate for the American Cancer Society, especially after her own successful battle with cancer. She led by example, teaching many around her that life should be pursued with great gusto. If there was a beach or an ocean in sight, you could be sure to find Karen there.