Karolina Karrels of the Town of Port Washington passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at Elizabeth's Residence in Bayside. She was 90 years old.

Karolina was born in Klosterlangheim, Germany, on March 7, 1935, the daughter of Johann and Margareta (Dinkel) Kraus.

Her life was hard during World War II, and many members of her family were injured in the war.

Karolina had a sharp eye for fashion and worked as a salesperson for a woman's clothing shop in Klosterlangheim. She still had a number of pieces of clothing from the shop and liked to show them off.

Always a trailblazer, Karolina made her way to England on her own in the 1950s and worked as an au pair for a British family.

It was in England that she met the Uhlein family and was offered a job working for the family in the Port Washington and Milwaukee areas.

Karolina immigrated to the United States in the 1960s and was working for the Uhlein family when she met Ray Karrels, the own- er of an excavation company and entrepreneur who had a keen interest in flying.

On Jan. 15, 1966, she married Ray, the love of her life, in Milwaukee, and together they built a warm and welcoming home in the Town of Port Washington.

Karolina was a founding member of Faith Baptist Church in Port Washington. Her faith was central to her life, and her love for reading the Bible provided her with comfort and strength throughout her years.

Karolina was known for her nurturing spirit and a deep love for nature. She found joy in gardening, sewing and quilting, often inviting friends and neighbors to share in the beauty of her handiwork. She enjoyed taking leisurely walks on her property and cherished the little moments in life that brought her peace and happiness.

Karolina was also a devoted mother who took great care of her son Frederick, who was born in 1966, until his untimely passing in 1997. Her heart, though burdened with loss, remained ever open, extending her warmth and kindness to all who crossed her path.

She is survived by her close friends Dave Klink, Pastor Colson Leach, Carol Noll and Donna Schlenvogt, as well as many other friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, her son Frederick and her siblings.

Funeral services celebrating Karolina's life will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, with Pastor Colson Leach presiding.

A visitation for Karolina's friends will take place on Oct. 5 at the funeral home from noon until the services.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Union Cemetery in Port Washington.

Karolina's family wishes to thank the staff of Compassus Hospice for all of their care and kindness in her final days.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Karrels family.

Online condolences may be left at www. eernissefuneralhome.com.