Karen Madeline Straka (née Zabik), 84, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at her home in Oconomowoc on August 10, 2025, after a courageous four-year battle with colon cancer. A devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Karen’s life was defined by her deep love and compassion for family. A vibrant and witty spirit, She was defined by her generosity and selflessness, her love of antiques and restoring old homes.
Born on October 8, 1940, in South Bend, Indiana, Karen was the third of four daughters born to Thaddeus (“Ted”) and Madeline (née Humphrey) Zabik. Raised in a close-knit family, she often recalled a modest but joyful childhood, filled with love and togetherness. As a child she spent countless days at her family’s cottage on Cedar Lake in Michigan, built by her grandfather, and her Aunt Mary’s farm. These experiences shaped her appreciation for simple, wholesome living.
After graduating from Central High School in South Bend, Karen attended beauty school and became a beautician. On August 20, 1960, she married the love of her life, John Michael Straka, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in South Bend and shortly thereafter moved to Milwaukee, where her husband began a career in international banking at Marine Bank. Together they had and raised six sons.
As an antique dealer, she traveled countless weekends to antique shows across the country and finding old furniture to lovingly restore, seeing each piece as a story to be told. Her love for “all things old” extended to historic homes. From 1987 to 1998, while living in Champaign, Illinois, where her husband launched a new chapter by acquiring Sidney Community Bank, Karen embraced rural life. She tirelessly worked to save three historic old homes from demolition, overseeing their relocation—sometimes over 40 miles—and personally being involved in every step of the renovation.
As a mother, Karen was fiercely loving and supportive, making her sons the center of her life. She took immense pride in them and cherished each daughter-in-law and grandchild as if they were her own. In 1998, she returned to Southeastern Wisconsin, settling on Oconomowoc Lake for the better part of her twilight years. There, she found joy in hosting her growing family and friends at her lake house, reminiscent of her childhood summers at Cedar Lake. Her legendary 4th of July parties, and her signature hospitality, became cherished traditions that brought her family to celebrate love and togetherness.
Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Michael Straka, her parents, Thaddeus and Madeline Zabik; and her sisters, Patricia Zabik, Jan Maciejewski, and Terry VanOverberghe. She is survived by her six sons: Jerry (Kathy), Donald (Maureen), Michael (Deborah), Patrick (Erika), Bradley (Kristina Kleven), and Richard (Torrie); her fourteen grandchildren: Shannon Sprung (Karl), Alex Straka (Jóhann Berry), Madeline Straka (Matt Maletta), Grant Straka, Matthew Straka (Emily), Andrew Straka (Alice), Sean Straka (Emma), Zane Straka, Jane Straka, Noah Straka, Buck Straka, Anne Straka, Zoey Straka, and Kane Straka; and her three great-grandchildren: Nora, Sloan, and Henry Sprung.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who supported Karen during her cancer battle. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, W359N8512 Brown St, Oconomowoc, at 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral mass at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Karen’s honor to the American Cancer Society, 1-800-227-2345, www.cancer.org, reflecting her courageous battle with colon cancer.
Throughout her cancer battle, Karen’s toughness and positive spirit inspired all who knew her. Her legacy of love, humor, and dedication to family and heritage will live on in the hearts of those she touched.