Karen Redlin, age 80, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and deep love for her family. Karen was born on August 24, 1945, in Appleton to the late Jacob L. and Ruth D. (Schrader) Verrier. She lived a life defined by kindness and selflessness, always looking for ways to help others and brighten the lives of those around her.

A faithful servant of God, Karen devoted countless hours to volunteer work at St. Therese Catholic Church and in her community, including tutoring English to those in need. Her strong faith also led her to participate in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, an experience that reflected her lifelong desire to serve others.

Karen graduated from Appleton West High School with the Class of 1963. She dedicated many years of her professional life to caring for others, first working as a Licensed Practical Nurse at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in the early 1980s.  At St. Elizabeth's she cared for patients with the kindness and dedication that has defined her character her entire life.  Later in life, in her 50s, she began a second career as a dental assistant and hygienist, continuing her passion for helping people.

Karen met the love of her life, James Redlin when she was 16 at a Memorial building dance in Menasha, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, faith, and family. They continued their courtship attending 3 dances a week and married at St Therese Catholic Church on June 12th 1965.  Together they built a home that welcomed family, friends, and countless gatherings.

She treasured time spent with family, especially during large holiday gatherings where she loved cooking meals and bringing everyone together. She also cherished caring for her great-grandchildren, often watching them several times each month.

Karen had a deep love for the outdoors and being on the water. She enjoyed boating with family and famously waterskied from the age of 7 until she was 70. She was an avid gardener known for her abundant tomatoes and beautiful flowers. Karen was also an enthusiastic fan of Wisconsin sports teams, cheering on the Packers, Brewers, and Timber Rattlers.

Karen had a gift for encouraging those around her to stay active, try new things, and live life fully. Her warmth, wisdom, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband, James Redlin; her children, Scott (Meg) Redlin, Cindy (Scott) Boyer, and Jenni (Josh) Huelsbeck; her grandchildren, Katie (Jimmy) Gutierrez, Ethan Boyer, and Dmitri Redlin; and her great-grandchildren, Della Gutierrez, James Gutierrez, and Jesse Gutierrez. She is further survived by her siblings, Jerry (Paula) Verrier and Jack Verrier; brothers-in-law Paul Redlin and David Redlin; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Ruth Verrier; her brother, Bobby Verrier; her parents-in-law, Vera and Ernie Redlin; her sisters-in-law, Carole Redlin and Ruth Redlin; and her brother-in-law, Mark Redlin.

A Mass of Resurrection for Karen will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, March 12, 2026, at St. Therese Catholic Church with Rev. Ryan Starks officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Appleton, WI. Friends may visit the family directly at church on Thursday from 9 AM until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to support missionary work by Marcos and Jessica Cisneros through Family Missions Company:

https://www.familymissionscompany.com/project/mjcisneros/

Or to Cross Catholic Outreach:

https://crosscatholic.org/

Karen's life was a beautiful example of faith in action, generosity of spirit, and love for family. Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched.