Karen Kay Hadley, born May 28, 1949 took her final journey on February 22, 2025.  She passed away of natural causes. She was born at home on the Olson farm to Kenneth and Darlene Hadley ‘nee Boggs, in Lafarge, Wisconsin.  She grew up in Lafarge and La Crosse, graduating from Central High School in 1967. She was the third of six children.

She welcomed her first daughter Traci in April 1970, and married Larry Onsgard in October 1970.  Together they welcomed another daughter, Tammi in 1973.  They made their home in West Salem.  Karen and Larry later divorced in 1980.  In 1986, she married David Zebell and in 1987 they had a son, Brian.  They also divorced in 1989.

Karen had many jobs throughout her life. She was a waitress, a hotel maid, a fast-food worker, a CNA and a Home Health Aide.  She attended church at Lutheran churches, Methodist churches, Presbyterian churches.  If the church had good hymns and talked about Jesus, she was comfortable.

Karen enjoyed country music.  She loved to sing and had a beautiful voice.  She was an avid reader, and she read up until the day before she passed.  She loved word search puzzles and good cop shows on TV.  When she was younger, she loved to dance.  She would dance with her children in the kitchen, sing with her sisters and cousins and daughter.  She enjoyed Bingo, playing cards with family, and casinos.  She wasn’t the best cook, but she did make really good cinnamon rolls and her famous Chow Mein Casserole was always a family favorite.

Karen is survived by her children, Traci Onsgard of La Crosse, Tammi Tacinelli (John) of Rochester, MN, and Brian Zebell (Heather) of Winona, MN.  She has three grandsons, Zachary, Kalab and Jedidiah Steege two granddaughters, Kristian and Rose and two great grandchildren, Alexis and Ryker.  Four Siblings, LaVerne of La Crosse, WI, Marjorie (Joe) of Stoughton, WI, Arlen (Diana) and Melinda both of La Crosse.  One Aunt, Phyllis and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, one sibling, Wayne, a Sister- in Law Arlene, and two nephews, Curt and Thad.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mayo Health System, Onalaska Care Center and Hope Stay Assisted Living for the loving care they all gave to Karen, especially the wonderful nurses and resident care assistants at Hope Stay.  Thank you also to St. Croix Hospice for the past few days of care and support to Karen and her family.

Karen had struggles in life.  She survived life-long mental illness and alcohol addiction, most times in the shadows.  If you or someone you know is suffering, please get help.  The Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached by text or by calling 988.  No one should suffer alone.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family with arrangements.   A Celebration of Life Service will be Friday February 28, 2025,  at Noon with lunch to follow at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St.  Onalaska, WI.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  Internment will happen at a later date.