Karen Karau (78) of Eland, Wisconsin passed away on Saturday, January 25th at the Marshfield Medical Center. Karen was a loving and wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother as well as a fantastic friend. She was born in Wausau, WI on June 14th, 1946, to Willard and Lorraine Doering. She met Donald Karau in the spring of 1965, and they were married on November 13th of that year.

Karen worked at a number of places over her life; Cloverbelt Feed Mill, Public Service Credit Union and she spent many years as the President of the Wausau Postal Employees Credit Union. She was also active in the community and her children's lives, serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother and a CCD instructor at St. Therese Parish. Karen's favorite activities included hanging out with her lifelong friends from Holy Name School, regularly playing cards, especially with her cousin's card playing group, as well as staying in touch with her friends from Cloverbelt. She also enjoyed the local casinos and won more often than not. Her greatest times though came at her family cabin outside of Medford, especially when her family was there with her. Her other great pleasure was spending time with her five grandchildren.

Karen and Don had four children: Mark (La Crosse, WI), Lisa (Baraboo, WI), Lori (Cook, MN), and Lynn (Prineville, OR). Their five grandchildren are Alexander and Katherine Karau; Mishell Karau; and Charli and Henri Dawson. Karen is survived by her husband of 59 years, Donald Karau; her brother Vern Doering, her two sisters Carol Utecht and Peggy Anderson; her children; her daughter in law Jacquelynn Karau; and her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Aaron Anderson.

Her last words to her family were "I love you all!" We love you too Mom, and we will always miss you.

Karen's farewell services will be held on Friday, January 31st, 2025 at St. Therese Catholic Church.  Visitation from 10A.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.  John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time.  Oline condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com