Karen Ann (Larsen) Baye, 81, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home on Sunday, December 11, 2022, with her beloved husband at her side. She was born July 12, 1941, to Gilbert and Ottillia (Wattawa) Larsen and fondly remembered her days growing up on the farm in Langes Corners. After graduating in 1959 from Denmark High School, Karen stayed in touch with many high school classmates and looked forward to attending the Viking class reunions.
Karen loved to stay busy and especially loved the personal interaction with customers and co-workers. Rummele’s jewelers in Green Bay, Superior Liquor and The Shell station in Lakewood were proud to employ her over her long career.
Karen’s spouse and partner for the past 32 years has been Bernard Baye, Jr., better known as Bernie. The two owned the Hindquarter Bar in De Pere and an IMCA modified race car and could be found most weekends at Seymour, Oshkosh, Shawano, Manitowoc, Beaver Dam Speedways and all across the Midwest. Karen’s warm and friendly personality cultivated life-long friendships and touched many lives along the way.
Karen and Bernie bought a cabin on Star Lake and finally “retired” to its beauty 8 years ago. There she enjoyed working, entertaining family and friends, watching the birds and wildlife and spoiling her puppies.
Karen was the cornerstone of a blended family. Those who remain to celebrate her memory include her husband, Bernie; children, Scott Mallien and his wife, Mary Pat; Pamela Mallien and her partner Joe Lemire; Lori Cologna and her fiancé Chris Plante; Anne Cortez; Steven Baye; and Rick Baye and his wife Sarah. She lovingly spoiled grandchildren Tim (Beth) Mallien, Joseph (Arielle) McElroy, Jesse Wellens and his partner Amanda Adam, Kevin Wellens, Casey Cologna, Parker Cologna, Tony Conrad, Kayla (Lucas) Baldwin, Daniel Cortez, Sam Walker, Bella, Brynn and Bennett Baye, as well as great grandchildren Kamryn McElroy, Connor Mallien, Autumn and Gaige Beck, and Summer Baldwin. She is further survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Richard and Ann Larsen; her first husband, Joseph Mallien; her mother-in-law, Connie Baye; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Roy Smits, Barb Baye, Jim Baye, Pat and Tina Baye. She will be missed by her dog Kalip.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister-in-law, Joan Smits and a brother-in-law, Dennis Baye.
It was Karen’s wish that no formal service be held. To honor her memory, the family will privately celebrate her life. Online condolences may be sent to www.prokowall.com and cards may be mailed in care of Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., Green Bay, WI 54302.