Karen Ann (Ritchie) Lefebvre, a woman defined by her intellect, dedication, and profound love for her family, passed away peacefully at her home on September 22, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on July 19, 1944, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Wade and Della Ritchie, Karen was a proud graduate of Preble High School, where her academic brilliance shone as the class valedictorian. Shortly after graduation, she began her professional journey at WDUZ Radio Station. She later joined the insurance industry, where she obtained her agent license and dedicated over 50 years of service to State Wide Insurance. Her longevity in her profession was a testament to her work ethic and the trusted relationships she built within her community.

Beyond her professional life, Karen married Michael Lefebvre. They moved to Marshfield, WI where they started their family. After a few years, they moved back to Green Bay, where they raised their daughters.

Karen’s faith was very important to her. She was a member of Bethel Church. She lived her life knowing she was part of God‘s plan.

Karen was an avid reader and found great joy in the simple pleasure of thrifting, always on the hunt for a hidden treasure. A creative spirit at heart, she delighted in making others smile by creating custom puzzle books and coloring pages for her family and friends. Above all else, Karen’s greatest joy was the time she spent with her family, who remained the center of her world.

Karen is survived by her loving daughters and their families: Anne (John) Fitz and their children, MaryAnne (Thayer) Haugen and Margaret Fitz; Michele (Jeff) Willems and their children, Nicholas Willems, Nathan Willems, and Kyle (Megan Leonard) Willems; Dawn (John) Reimer and their daughter, Brittany Reimer; and Denise (Joe) Faulhaber and their children, Sage (Kat) LaJeunesse, Joey (Aly) Faulhaber, and Carolann Faulhaber. She is also survived by her cherished great-grandchildren: Isabelle Willems, Zay Willems, and Silas LaJeunesse. Karen leaves behind her siblings, who remained a significant part of her life: Wade (Rosemary) Ritchie, Carol Nachtwey, David (Mary) Ritchie, Sue Renard, and Julie Ritchie, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wade and Della Ritchie; the father of her children, Michael Lefebvre; her great-grandson, Joseph “JC” Faulhaber III; and her brothers-in-law, Richard Nachtwey and Brian Renard. Karen’s legacy of kindness, creativity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Ryan Funeral Home, located at 305 N Tenth Street, De Pere, WI. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation starting at 12:00 PM prior to the service.

The family would like to thank Dr. Cory Madison with Tundra Chiropractic, Dr. Budhathoki with Bellin Oncology, Dr Colin Bowman with Bellin Palliative care, and the Unity hospice care team with special thanks to Heather for her care and support.