Karen M. Price

Karen Marcella (nee Gaffney) Price, age 66, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, following a short illness. Karen was born in Appleton on July 8, 1958, to Cletus Thomas “Fish” Gaffney and La Vila Laura “Snookie” (Cotter) Gaffney. As a young girl she displayed an innate artistic ability, even winning a drawing contest sponsored by a children’s program on WBAY-TV. After graduating from Kimberly High School, Karen moved to Sarasota, worked as a graphic artist, and eventually returned to her hometown of Kimberly, where she continued her work for various firms in the area. Karen also volunteered her artistic services to the local chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation by creating the chapter’s invitations, inserts, bookmarks, programs, and newspaper advertisements. For her efforts, she was recognized in a “Good Neighbors” profile piece in the Post Crescent. On Tuesday afternoons she enjoyed gathering with her friends in a local bowling league.

On June 9, 2007, Karen married James L. Price, and they enjoyed nearly eighteen happy years together. Karen had a very pleasant and friendly personality, was kind to everyone she met, was very easy to like. She enjoyed getting together with her many friends. For many years, she and Jim hosted a popular fall “Pre-Labor Day Party” at their home in Kimberly.

Karen is survived by her husband: Jim Price; three siblings: Tim J. Gaffney, Thomas W. (Julie) Gaffney, and Cheryl A. Gaffney. Her in-laws include Raymond (Betty) Price, Roger (Denise) Price, Sally (Larry) Sherwood, Arthur Price, Penny Price, Charles Price, Sarah (Mike) DeValk, and Timothy (Kris) Price; other survivors include her dear friends Marion Olson and Lori Fries, as well as many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends, and her furry friends Rosie, Minnie, and General Sterling Price.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Daniel Gaffney, sister Kathleen A. Mader, nephew Jason Mader, father-in-law Raymond Price, mother-in-law Dorothy (nee Schroeder) Price, sister-in-law Jane Price, and a dear friend Paula Mueller.

The Christian Funeral Service for Karen will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, located at N8728 Coop Road in Harrison. Rev. Jesse Johnston will officiate, and burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will take place at the church on Monday, April 28, from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the ICU at ThedaClark Medical Center in Appleton for providing compassionate and exceptional care for Karen during her time of need.