Karenann Alice Karaba, 74, died Saturday at Froedtert Memorial Hospital. Born in Racine on May 28, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Marie (nee: Durbin) LaBoda.
Karen graduated from Horlick High School in 1961 and received an associate’s degree in Human Resources from Gateway Technical College. She worked for Racine County as a financial employment planner for 27 years. She volunteered her time as a member and past president of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary for four years, and as a member of the Eagles Club. In her spare time, Karen enjoyed her many city bowling leagues and was a big fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs. Above all, she loved and devoted her time to her family and friends.
Karen will be dearly missed by her children, Karen (the late, Legg) McCann, Shellie (James) Thillemann, Scotty (Geri) Loendorf, Rhonda (Dennis) Perrigo, Ann (Randy) Aiken, Jonathan (Tonya) Loendorf; 24 grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; siblings, Frank (Gloria) LaBoda, Sue (Gary) Craanen, Sherry D’Acquisto, Sally (Augie) Dahl, Mike Ager; brother in-law, Bob Bokelman; nieces, nephews, her furry companions, Tosha, Misty and Bam Bam; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Karen was also preceded in death by her son Raymond; sister, Cheryl Bokelman; step mother, Shirley LaBoda; step father, Harold Ager; brother-in-law, Joe D’Acquisto; and her fiancé, Lester Gurske.
Funeral services will be held at noon Friday at Maresh-Meredith Funeral Home, 803 Main St. Interment will follow at West Lawn memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of service at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for a memorial to be established in Karen’s name have been suggested.
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