Karen S. Hautamaki, 51, of La Crosse died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, in her home.

She was born Nov. 28, 1957, in Owen, Wis., to William J. and Mae I. (Kocherer) Hautamaki. Karen lived the early part of her life on a farm in Owen. She graduated from Owen-Withee High School in 1976. After moving to

La Crosse, she worked at Desmond's Formal Wear for 23 years. After Desmond's closed she worked at Valley View Mall for five years. Karen was a member of Neighborhood City Church. She loved to read, listen to music, play cards, crochet, do crossword puzzles and go bowling.

She is survived by her fiance, Fred Niemeyer of La Crosse; her mother, Mae of La Crosse; two sisters, Carlene Ann Fibeger (fiance Randolph S. Jacobs) of La Crosse and Marlene Marie (Tony J.) Kramer of Eau Claire, Wis.; a nephew, William J. Hautamaki of Onalaska; and her good friend and caregiver, Sharon Liebert of La Crosse.

She was preceded in death by her father, William; and aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at Neighborhood City Church, 525 S. Seventh St., La Crosse. Pastor Chris Crye will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Neighborhood City Church. Schumach-er-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is assisting the family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gundersen Lutheran Hospice for its care, and also to Karen's church family.