Karen M. Crooks

Karen M. Crooks, 67, of Sparta, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024 at Serenity House, Tomah with family by her side. She was born on September 7, 1956 to William and Marlene (Hanson) Waters. She grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School.

Karen was the deli manager for Ted and Fred’s for many years. She earned her associates degree from Western Wisconsin Technical College in accounting. 

Karen married John Crooks. They later divorced. She enjoyed gardening, nature, bird watching, road trips, and tending to her chickens.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Kylee (fiancé, Drew Foss) Crooks of Rhinelander; grandson, Zayden; special friend, Al Steinbrink of Sparta; Ryan Tauscher of La Crosse; Kelly (Jason) Schleifer of Brice Prairie, Meghan Tauscher of Eleva, Jen Fischer of Onalaska; grandchildren, Michael, Christian, Jennings, and Phinlee; great grandson, Lucas; siblings, Nancy (John) Hart of Sparta, Janice (Steve) Peters of Sparta, and Tom (Kim) Waters of Sparta; many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and her cat, Buster.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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