Karen Joy Hackett

Karen Joy Hackett, 82, of Appleton, WI, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of December 2, 2025.

Born on March 26, 1943, in Milwaukee, WI, Karen was the daughter of Leona and William Seltzer. She was the middle child, raised alongside her older sister, Joan Price, who passed away earlier this year, and her younger brother, Dale Seltzer.

Growing up, Karen cherished her visits to the family “farm” in Minocqua, WI. Winters were spent ice skating at the neighborhood rink, and she even befriended a wild deer that seemed to adopt her family as its own. When the DNR would make their rounds, Karen would playfully shoo the deer into hiding.

In her early adulthood, Karen pursued her passion for hair and earned her beautician’s license. She proudly maintained her license up until just last year.

In 1963, Karen met the love of her life, Joseph Hackett, across the bar at their favorite local watering hole in Madison, WI, where Joe was bartending. She initially sought nothing more than a young, strong man to help her move, but their story quickly blossomed into something straight out of a romance novel. Full of humor, sparks, and the kind of love that lasts a lifetime. Joe famously proposed to her at a gas station, a moment that became legendary in family stories. In true Karen fashion, she refused to accept unless he got down on one knee. They later married at a Catholic church in Milwaukee, beginning a marriage built on laughter, loyalty, and decades of playful teasing back and forth.

In 1972, Joe and Karen welcomed their miracle baby, Christina Anne Hackett, born at just 1 lb 11 oz. From the moment Karen became a mother, her world gained new purpose. She took great pride in being a stay-at-home mom; leading Christina’s Girl Scout troop, sewing homemade Halloween costumes, and cheering Christina on in every sport she played. Karen devoted every bit of her heart to raising Christina, and she later poured that same unwavering love into her grandchildren.

Karen was known for her bubbly personality, quick wit, stubbornness, and just the right amount of sass. She had a warmth that filled any room she walked into and a presence you couldn’t help but be drawn to. Her happiest moments were spent celebrating the holidays with the people she loved. Her home transformed into a festive wonderland. Each room was decorated with care, elegance, and her unmistakable touch. She was the hostess everyone adored, crafting beautiful tablescapes with her fine china and making every gathering feel special. Her eye for design was impossible to miss; every corner of her home reflected her creativity, thoughtfully curated with thrifted and antique finds that made her space both timeless and comfortable.

She cherished summers in Door County, especially those perfectly cool days in the high 60s when she could sit on the deck with a cocktail in hand, enjoying a good book and the Lake Michigan breeze. Karen was also the biggest Green Bay Packers fan; every Sunday, you could count on her parked in front of the TV, passionately commentating from kickoff to the final seconds while carrying out her game-day rituals.

Karen could shop ’til she dropped, and often did. Some of her favorite memories were made with her beloved girlfriends Rita, Pitsy, and Nancy. The ladies spent countless weekends hunting for rummage-sale treasures and the best deals at the department store. Their conquests always ended with a well-earned Happy Hour. To Karen, it was always 5 o’clock somewhere, and she lived with a spirit that encouraged everyone around her to savor life’s simple pleasures… especially a salted-rim margarita on the rocks or her go-to Manhattan.

Karen is preceded in death by her mother, Leona Seltzer; father, William Seltzer; sister, Joan Price; husband, Joseph Hackett; and sister-in-law, Linda Hackett. She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Christina Hackett, and her treasured grandchildren: Rileigh (Austin Meehl) Ostrom, Camille Ostrom, and Garrett (Kaylee) Ostrom. She is also survived by her great-granddog and loyal roommate, Bubba, her brother, Dale Seltzer, and her brothers-in-law, Mike Price and William Hackett.

Her legacy lives on through the laughter she shared, the traditions she created, and the love she poured into her family. Karen was adamant that her passing be celebrated rather than mourned. In her honor, the family will be arranging a celebration of life in the warmer months.