Karen Joyce Havlicek, 87, went to her heavenly home to spend Christmas with her husband, Robert and daughters, Cindy and Sally on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. at Center Street Bar and Grill, Monona.

A small family graveside service will be held at a later date.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona assisted the family.

Karen was born on Nov. 7, 1938, to Delbert and Marie (Straus) Schroeder. She graduated from MFL High School. Karen was united in marriage with Robert “Bob” Havlicek on Oct. 5, 1956, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Farmersburg. To this union they had three children, Cindy, Sally, and Daniel.

Karen spent her life caring for her children and grandchildren, Dawn Wedo, Crystal (Dave) Duhnke, Shane Wedo, Kenny Christenson, Jr., Aspen Havlicek and Maxwell Havlicek, and her nine great-grandchildren. She enjoyed following along with all their activities and achievements. They say she had all the best Disney movies and took the time to color or play board games with them and made the best “junk” for dinner. 

Karen enjoyed reminiscing with friends old and new and was always up for a good time whether it was playing a game of cards, playing a prank, or a just a good laugh. She was an avid card player-playing solitaire and rummy until the very end.

Karen is survived by her son, Daniel (Pam) Havlicek of Monona; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Eileen Page of Cantonment, Fla.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband; daughters; parents; brothers, Dean and Robert, and sisters, Betty Schroeder and Anna Eichacker.

The family is grateful to the care Karen received from the nurses at Crossing Rivers Hospice and Emplify Hospice and to Bridget and Brenda for their care the past six months granting Karen’s wish to remain in her own home. 

Memorials can be directed to the MFL Ambulance service or Emplify Hospice services.