Karen Jean Henning, 80, of Hurley, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Karen was born the daughter of Martin and Jennie (Maki) on November 22, 1945, at Newport Hospital in Ironwood. She was a 1963 graduate of Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood. Over the years, Karen worked for her own stores, Bit O' Leather in Burbank, California, Two-Gether Leather, Modern Case, operated the Bear Trap Restaurant with her husband, and held positions in various local restaurants. In her later years, she was a dedicated kitchen aide at the Hurley Senior Center.

On August 27, 1994, Karen was united in marriage to Paul Michael Henning at Kimball Park. Karen loved the outdoors—deer hunting and cross-country skiing in her younger days, going for walks, feeding and watching the birds, and tending to her flower garden. She also enjoyed traveling, having visited Greece, Hawaii, Florida, and Arizona, among other destinations. She cherished her noon hour spent watching The Bold and The Beautiful and loved cheering on the Green Bay Packers. Above all, Karen treasured time spent with her close friends and family.

Karen will be deeply missed by her two daughters, Michele (Terry) Seibel of Hurley and Debbie (Fred) Ruppe of Rosemount, MN; three grandchildren, Tanner (Megan) Stephani, Blake (Michelle) Ruppe, and Brooke Ruppe; two sisters, Marilyn Vuorenmaa and Janice (Dennis) DeMeio; her brother, Marvin (Kathy) Maki; sister-in-law, Sylvia Chelmendos-Maki; and brother-in-law, Joseph Tibaldo. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; grandson, Trevor Stephani; and siblings Donald (Carolyn) Maki, twins Raymond and Reynold Maki, Joyce (Les) Price, and Dorothy Tibaldo.

Following Karen's wishes, cremation has taken place.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Aspirus Hospice and to her son-in-law, Terry Seibel, for his exceptional care and compassion.

Memorials may be directed in Karen's name to the Hurley Senior Center.

SISU STRONG