Karen Sue Gulbransen​, 68, of West Melbourne, FL, passed away unexpectedly on November 28, 2024, at Rockledge Regional Medical Center in Florida. 

Born on February 5, 1956, in San Clemente, CA, Karen was the daughter of the late Charles Gulbransen and the late Nancy (Ruffalo) Gulbransen​.  Having lived most of her life in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Karen achieved several degrees related to IT, graphic design and web design, and her career involved many aspects of computer sciences. 

Karen was also an excellent artist, and several of her friends and family are fortunate enough to own one of her paintings. For the past 7 years, she also taught painting classes at Palm Lake Estates Mobile Community, where she resided. 

Karen was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of ten, and in 2006 she was awarded the Joslin 50 Year achievement medal for living with diabetes. 

Karen was also an avid animal lover always helping any cat or dog in need, and donated to several animal rescues over the years. 

Karen is survived by her siblings:  Kathryn Downey, Gary (Vicki) Gulbransen, Kimberly Spann, Jennifer Gulbransen and Matthew (Shelli) Gulbransen, all of Kenosha, WI, along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. 

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gregg Gulbransen, and maternal and paternal grandparents. 

She will be greatly missed by many friends and family members, especially her godmother, Patsy Belotti. 

A celebration of Karen's life will be held at a later date. At Karen's request, donations may be made in her honor to an animal rescue of your choice. We would also like to thank her wonderful Florida “family” for helping us out in so many ways.