Michael A. Schulz

Born to Eternal Life on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife Sharon; his children Mark Schulz, Charles Schulz, Julie (Dane) Doneldson, Jason (Diana) Schulz; 7 grandchildren; brother Dean Schulz; and sister Jayne Schulz. Preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Velma Schulz, his infant son James, his sisters Patti Anderson and Carol Anderson, and his brother Charles Schulz. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.



Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of Prayer Service at 11 AM on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, W359 N8512 Brown St, Oconomowoc. Burial to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Erin. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the church are appreciated.

karen M. Straka

Karen Madeline Straka (née Zabik), 84, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at her home in Oconomowoc on August 10, 2025, after a courageous four-year battle with colon cancer. A devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Karen’s life was defined by her deep love and compassion for family. A vibrant and witty spirit, She was defined by her generosity and selflessness, her love of antiques and restoring old homes.

Born on October 8, 1940, in South Bend, Indiana, Karen was the third of four daughters born to Thaddeus (“Ted”) and Madeline (née Humphrey) Zabik. Raised in a close-knit family, she often recalled a modest but joyful childhood, filled with love and togetherness. As a child she spent countless days at her family’s cottage on Cedar Lake in Michigan, built by her grandfather, and her Aunt Mary’s farm. These experiences shaped her appreciation for simple, wholesome living. 

After graduating from Central High School in South Bend, Karen attended beauty school and became a beautician. On August 20, 1960, she married the love of her life, John Michael Straka, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in South Bend and shortly thereafter moved to Milwaukee, where her husband began a career in international banking at Marine Bank. Together they had and raised six sons.

As an antique dealer, she traveled countless weekends to antique shows across the country and finding old furniture to lovingly restore, seeing each piece as a story to be told. Her love for “all things old” extended to historic homes. From 1987 to 1998, while living in Champaign, Illinois, where her husband launched a new chapter by acquiring Sidney Community Bank, Karen embraced rural life. She tirelessly worked to save three historic old homes from demolition, overseeing their relocation—sometimes over 40 miles—and personally being involved in every step of the renovation. 

As a mother, Karen was fiercely loving and supportive, making her sons the center of her life. She took immense pride in them and cherished each daughter-in-law and grandchild as if they were her own. In 1998, she returned to Southeastern Wisconsin, settling on Oconomowoc Lake for the better part of her twilight years. There, she found joy in hosting her growing family and friends at her lake house, reminiscent of her childhood summers at Cedar Lake. Her legendary 4th of July parties, and her signature hospitality, became cherished traditions that brought her family to celebrate love and togetherness. 

Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Michael Straka, her parents, Thaddeus and Madeline Zabik; and her sisters, Patricia Zabik, Jan Maciejewski, and Terry VanOverberghe. She is survived by her six sons: Jerry (Kathy), Donald (Maureen), Michael (Deborah), Patrick (Erika), Bradley (Kristina Kleven), and Richard (Torrie); her fourteen grandchildren: Shannon Sprung (Karl), Alex Straka (Jóhann Berry), Madeline Straka (Matt Maletta), Grant Straka, Matthew Straka (Emily), Andrew Straka (Alice), Sean Straka (Emma), Zane Straka, Jane Straka, Noah Straka, Buck Straka, Anne Straka, Zoey Straka, and Kane Straka; and her three great-grandchildren: Nora, Sloan, and Henry Sprung.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who supported Karen during her cancer battle. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, W359N8512 Brown St, Oconomowoc, at 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral mass at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Karen’s honor to the American Cancer Society, 1-800-227-2345, www.cancer.org, reflecting her courageous battle with colon cancer.

Throughout her cancer battle, Karen’s toughness and positive spirit inspired all who knew her. Her legacy of love, humor, and dedication to family and heritage will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

James A. Dziatkiewicz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Anthony Dziatkiewicz, who left us peacefully on August 10, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on January 28, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jim lived a life marked by dedication, service, and love for his family.

Jim was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and he served in the Vietnam War, a commitment that shaped his character and instilled in him a profound sense of duty and honor. Following his military service, he pursued a bachelor's degree and dedicated his career as a Production Supervisor. His professionalism and diligence earned him respect among peers and colleagues alike.

Residing in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Jim was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Julie Dziatkiewicz, and a caring father to his three sons: Stephen (Mary), Paul, and Phillip (Erica). He cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, Aubrey, CJ, Eamon, Conor, and Tessa, providing them with unwavering support and wisdom.

In addition to his immediate family, Jim is survived by his sisters, Mary and Elizabeth Dziatkiewicz, who will carry his spirit forward. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A Mass of Christian Burial for James will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, with a visitation for family and friends to start at 2:00 PM until time of Mass at 4:00 PM. 



As we reflect on Jim's life, we remember him not just as a husband, father, and grandfather, but as a man whose integrity and compassion touched many. His memory will forever remain a guiding light for his family and friends.

James was preceded in death by: His parents Anthony and Alice Dziatkiewicz and his sister Barbara Dziatkiewicz.

Thomas A. Karnowski

With heavy hearts yet uplifted spirits, we announce the peaceful passing of Thomas Andrew Karnowski, who ascended into the Lord's arms on August 9, 2025. Born on August 23, 1943, in the city of South Milwaukee. Tom graced this world for nearly 82 remarkable years, leaving behind a legacy woven with love, wisdom, and devotion.

A devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, Tom dedicated his life to his family, and with his many talents brightened the lives of all who knew him. Tom was a retired Electrical Engineer. He began his career at Durant in Watertown, WI before transitioning to EATON Corporation where he developed two patents for the company. Tom was a master craftsman, gardener and accomplished bridge player. 

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Barbara, whose strength and love were his steadfast companions through life's seasons. He also leaves behind his cherished children, Catherine (T.J.) Anderson, Kristin (Joseph) Walls, William (Donna) Karnowski, Karen (Dennis) Stanford and Jeffrey (Jessica) Karnowski, as well as his dear grandchildren, Allison Anderson, Clayton (Sarah) Anderson, Anthony (Hannah) Garcia, Brandon (Melissa) Garcia, Sam Karnowski, Lauren and Ryan Stanford, Contessa, Maya and Nathan Karnowski, along with endearing great grandchildren, Jackson, Eloise and Ezekiel Garcia.

Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Carol and her husband, Rudy Anich, and brother-in-law Werner Dornacker.

In celebrating Tom's extraordinary life, we invite family and friends to gather for funeral services that will be held on Tuesday, August 19th 2025 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Nashotah. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 am until the start of Mass at 12:00 pm. A private burial will be held for immediate family at a later date. 

Together, we will honor his memory, sharing stories that reflect the light he brought into our lives. As we reflect on the beautiful journey of Thomas Andrew Karnowski, let us find solace in his laughter, strength in his teachings, and comfort in the bond we shared. His essence will remain with us, a beacon of love and light guiding us in all our tomorrows. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to be made to the Western Lakes Fire District whom provided exceptional care and service many times for Tom these past several years. Rest in peace, dear Tom (Dad, Papa). 



You will be missed beyond words, yet forever celebrated in our hearts.