Karen Rose Antoniewicz, of Waupaca, WI passed away peacefully at home at the age of 81 on Saturday, March 18, 2023. UPDATED

She was born to Leo and Alice Kazmierski and preceded in death by brothers, Kenneth and Keith. Karen is survived by her husband of 63 years, Gene Antoniewicz, as well as her brother-in-law Bob and Leah Antoniewicz and sister-in-laws Dorothy and Darlene. She is further survived by her and Gene’s three children: Jodi (Matt) Ksobiech, Brandon (Jill), and Neal (Heather) Antoniewicz in addition to seven grandchildren: Ryan (Mandy), Emily, Jordan, Leo, Henry, Dalton, and Gage, as well as, two great grandchildren, Landon and Lincoln, and many deeply loved nieces and nephews.

Karen’s easy-going personality, infectious laugh, and natural ability to connect with others were the basis of her many long-lasting friendships; none more significant than with the “Army Reunion Crew” (Val, Jerry, Betty, John, Bill, and Dee) which spanned 65+ years.

Karen attended Mercy High School of Milwaukee, WI. She began her adult life working as a phone operator for AT&T and at Gimbels Department Store before taking on her most fulfilling role as a full-time mother. Having raised three children, Karen rejoined the workforce for 10 years as a caretaker at Tall Oaks Retirement Home. Once retired, Karen spent her golden years with Gene and friends at the senior center, volunteering, crocheting, playing solitaire, attending family get-togethers, socializing, dancing (Polka, Polka Polka) as well as engrossed in her lifelong passion of reading.

Special thanks to all those at ThedaCare Medical Center and at Home Hospice who cared for and supported Karen and her family in her final days.

Services will be held at St. Mary Magdalene of Waupaca on April 1, 2023 at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

In keeping with Karen’s love of horses, in lieu of flowers, the family asks for any donations to be made in her honor to LifeStriders Nature Based Integrative Therapies of Waukesha, WI.

The Maple Crest Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.