Karen G. Zarada

Karen Gayle Zarada (Krause), age 80, of Wausau, Wisconsin joined her heavenly father on March 8, 2023. She passed peacefully at home with family under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services after a long battle with cancer.

Karen was born in Stanley, Wisconsin on March 16, 1942, the daughter of Alvin and Mae (Endvick) Krause. She was a graduate of Greenwood High School where she was a member of the band playing the clarinet.

Karen met the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Zarada in 1958 at a dance in Willard, Wisconsin. They married on June 15, 1960, in Greenwood. They moved to Wausau in 1964 where they raised their three children.

Karen was a gardening enthusiast with an amazing green thumb. Every summer she created a botanical paradise filling her yard and patio with vibrant colors and sweet fragrances. She loved angels and had a beautiful collection of Seraphim angel figurines.

Karen also enjoyed bird watching, baking and for many years being a "snowbird" in the winter spending time in Florida, Texas and Arizona. She cherished spending time with family and friends and loved spoiling her grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her husband, Dick; daughters Sherri (Craig) Schreiner and Sandra Zarada (Matt Connors); son Brent Zarada (Rene Rebeck); grandchildren Jeremy Schreiner, Taylor Schreiner, and Miranda Lang; brothers Larry (Nancy) Krause, Gary (Pat) Krause; and four nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved pet companion Spartacus.

Karen's family would like to thank the physicians and staff of Aspirus Health, especially the Aspirus Cancer Center and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. We are grateful for their compassionate care and support. 

In honor of Karen's wishes, the family will be having a private celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Women's Community, Inc. (Wausau) or the Marathon County Humane Society.