Karen J. Kraus, 87, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026, at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cuba City, Wisconsin, with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home prior to the service. Burial will be held at a later date.

Karen was born on October 11, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of William and Martha (Utzig) Hanson. In her youth, she worked at the family store, Hanson’s Fruit Company and at the family Christmas tree lot. At the age of 16, Karen was united in marriage to James “Jim” Kraus on January 4, 1955, in Dubuque, Iowa. He preceded her in death on June 16, 2018.

Karen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, supporting her children in all their endeavors. She served as a brownie leader as well. Karen loved playing cards with her family, attending her grandchildren’s activities and always remembered them on their birthdays with a card. Karen and Jim loved dancing and playing euchre. She was an avid fan of all sports, especially the LA Dodgers, Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. Karen will be remembered as a fierce, stubborn individual who was extremely loving.

Survivors include her children, Jamie (Jim) Bruner, Shelbyville, KY, Robin Loney, Osceola, IN, Kelly (Tom) Strong, White Bear Lake, MN, Jessy (Larry) Beinborn, Mineral Point, WI, Stacy (John) Scheller, Arden Hills, MN, and James (Holly) Kraus, Dardenne Prairie, MO; a sister, Billie Rolwes, Dubuque, IA; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Kraus; her parents; a sister, Nancy (Bob) Wells; a brother-in-law, Ken Rowles; and a son-in-law, Jim Loney.

Memorials in Karen’s name may be sent to Casey-McNett Funeral Home at 123 N. Jackson St., Cuba City, WI 53807.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care of Karen.