Karen Jane Sonsalla, 76, of Trempealeau, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 3, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.
Karen was born on March 31, 1950, in Arcadia to Eugene and Dorothy (Ebertowski) Zabinski. The third of six children, she attended Sacred Heart School in Pine Creek through eighth grade and graduated from Arcadia High School.
On June 27, 1970, Karen married Darrell Sonsalla of Arcadia. Together they built a beautiful life and had three children: Jennifer, Emily, and Michael.
After high school, Karen attended Eau Claire Technical College, earning her secretarial degree in 1969. She worked in several office roles before dedicating herself to caring for her young children, who were her whole world. When she later returned to the workforce, Karen became a licensed insurance agent and built a successful agency known for her exceptional service and quick mastery of the business.
Karen eventually joined Ashley Furniture as a Payroll Accountant, where she worked for over 20 years. She excelled in her role, cherished her coworkers, and formed many lifelong friendships. In retirement, she enjoyed working at Elmaro Winery in Trempealeau alongside a dear friend-a job she truly loved.
Karen was happiest when surrounded by people. She treasured time with friends, family, her children, and her grandchildren. She loved playing cards, going out for breakfast or lunch at Olive Garden, enjoyed fishing and golf, attending concerts and plays, and traveling with her closest friends. She was often seen walking the streets of Trempealeau with friends, sharing stories, laughter, and life.
Karen had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for making others feel comfortable, loved, and appreciated. She was the best mom, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend anyone could have asked for.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Pauly and Irene Sonsalla; her brother, Gary; brothers-in-law, Wayne Mueller and Randy Sonsalla; and her daughter, Jennifer.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Darrell; her daughter, Emily and son-in-law, Kristopher Phillips; her son, Michael; granddaughters, Cyrill and Solileil; sisters, Joyce (Wayne) Mueller, Nancy (Joe) Bill, and Chris (Scott) Stevens; brother, Chuck (Barb) Zabinski; and many cherished nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and extended family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Sacred Heart Parish in Pine Creek, with Reverend Kyle Laylan officiating. Family and friends are invited to visitation in the church fellowship hall from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. Karen will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. Following the burial, lunch will be served in the fellowship hall.
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