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Karen Francis (Makowski) Lalone passed on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, on a spectacular autumn morning that beheld a bright sun, blue sky, golden trees and the first sparkling frost upon the earth’s floor.
Karen Lalone was born Aug. 31, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wis. Growing up there, she attended Pulaski High School and acquired her Registered Nursing degree at Mt Sinai School of Nursing. Karen worked as an RN her entire life career and was proud of her professional accomplishments. (Both her daughters followed this path of nursing.)
Karen married Robert E Lalone at the Little Brown Church in the Vale. They had two daughters, Jodi Lalone and Jeanne (Brian) Weir. After a divorce, Karen moved back to Milwaukee with her daughters.
Karen was a zealous person who liked to have fun. She was a girl scout leader for Troup 222 in Storm Lake. As a mother, she provided well and offered many opportunities for her kids to participate in activities like band, camps and sports. She created many flower and vegetable gardens and loved to cook, especially her homemade soup. She was an avid book reader, and she absolutely loved to fish. She was a gifted artist; her heartfelt colorful paintings and original pieces of jewelry will be cherished. She was most comfortable with nature and collected every pretty rock she discovered. She adored all animals, especially the beloved dogs that filled her years and heart with joy. She also told many fond stories about the summers she stayed on her Grandparent’s farm in Medford, Wis., when she was a child.
Karen grew up during WWII, and she remained deeply patriotic from her memories during that period. She honored the history of this war and collected many books about the topic. She favored one particular aircraft, “Fifi.” Karen also appreciated culture, especially Indian tradition and the ways of the Amish. It was the Amish builders that raised her cabin within the woods of Hancock, Wis., where she lived happily for three decades.
Karen was strong, fearless and vibrant. She was also kind, humorous and generous. Those who met her will never forget her. When asked what bird may remind people of her, she replied, “the red-winged black bird.” This species symbolizes courage, passion, good luck, protection and the encouragement to stand firm in the truth. They are famous for their bold personalities, booming spring calls and for being very territorial. No other bird could represent Karen better.
She was proceeded in death by her mother Rosetta Graff Makowski; stepfather Walter (Wallie) Makowski; and her sister Mary Beth Makowski. She had two grandchildren, Zachary (Mikayla) Mixdorf and Hannah (Kyle Kline) Mixdorf.
A genuine thanks was earned by Edenbrook in Wisconsin Rapids and Heartland Hospice.
Godspeed, and like Karen said before she left this world, “WE WILL MEET AGAIN.”
Private family services will be held at a later date. Leikness Funeral Home, Wautoma, assisted the family with arrangements. www.leiknessfuneralhome.com.
