Karen Marie Dvorak

It is with heavy hearts we share that Karen Marie Dvorak, 59, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2024, at the Baraboo Hospice House in Baraboo, Wisconsin.  

Born on March 24, 1965, at Saint Clare Hospital in Baraboo, Karen began life as a tiny fighter, weighing in at just 2 lbs. 8 oz., and spent the next 59 years proving her strength and resilience in every way. Karen retired as Kitchen Manager from Perlstein Resort in Wisconsin Dells after 32 years of dedication. Her time there was marked by hard work, camaraderie, and the creation of a second family among her coworkers. Karen was a warrior in every sense of the word. After surviving a grueling battle with cancer, she was blessed with nearly a decade more of life.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Vince and Lila (Dunse) Miller, mother-in-law, Nancy Dvorak, and her sister-in-law, Judy Miller.

She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 40 years, Charles Dvorak; her children, Charlie (Jessamyn) Dvorak and Pamela (Scott) Freeze; her beloved grandchildren, Alexis, Jemini, Lana, Clayton, and Hannah. Karen also leaves behind her siblings: Elaine Rydzinski, Marilyn Hill, Robert Miller, Barbara Maxon, Joan Miller, and Mark (Nancy) Miller, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Karen found joy in life’s simple pleasures: watching birds at her feeder, sipping rum and cokes, working on puzzles, and cheering for her beloved Green Bay Packers. She loved decorating for holidays, spending time at the family campsite by the river, and attending Warrens Cranberry Festival. Whether cruising the world with extended family or soaking in the tranquility of the Canadian wilderness, Karen treasured life’s adventures and the love of those around her. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1120 Draper Street in Baraboo with Pastor Matthew Gehrke officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m.  Inurnment will be private. 

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff at the SSM Health Hospice House for the compassionate care Karen received in her final days. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the hospice at SSM Health Hospice House, 915 12th St, Baraboo, WI, 53913. 

Karen’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and the power of family. This last Thursday we were all reminded how incredibly thankful we were to have had Karen in our lives. She leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her and a legacy of memories to be cherished forever.