Donna L. Karasek

Donna Lou (Guinn) Karasek passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, laughter, and devotion to family.

Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and graduating from Lancaster Senior High School in 1977, Donna was a lifelong learner. Whether learning a new skill, earning a degree, Donna always gave it her all. Settling in Viroqua in 1996, she built lasting friendships, found community and created a life centered on faith and family.

Donna was always present for her daughters, Kaitlyn and Maggie. She was there for life’s big milestones, but more importantly, for the everyday moments - often stopping by their work or homes to simply say hello. Her door was always open, and they always knew they were deeply loved, supported, and welcome.

Donna's absolute favorite role, however, was being "Nonna" to her four grandchildren. Teaching them to swim, taking them to parks, attending church, and making ordinary days feel special; her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Known throughout the family as the "fun aunt," Donna believed childhood should be filled with adventures and memories. With her nieces and nephews, she hosted tea parties, star gazing, went tubing at the lake, rode the big water slides, never missed sending birthday wishes, and pulled the family together for fireworks at Rhythm & Booms or any other time.

Donna never met an adventure she didn't want to try. She loved traveling and exploring the world and approached life with curiosity, joy, and a willingness to say "yes" to new experiences.

If you knew Donna, then you know she expressed her love through food. Family dinners were one of her greatest joys, and her kitchen was rarely empty. She loved cooking, canning, feeding friends and neighbors, contributing to meal trains, and preparing meals for her church freezer ministry to help those in need. Many will remember her favorite comforts: coffee with plenty of cream, a Pepsi with crushed ice, and gathering around a table full of homemade food and laughter.

Donna's generosity knew no limits, always putting others first. She would gladly give up her own bed to make a guest comfortable, volunteer where help was needed and offer kindness without expecting anything in return. In her later years, she found great fulfillment in caring for residents in the nursing home where she worked, serving them with the same compassion and dignity she extended to everyone she met.

Donna will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, enormous heart, unwavering faith, and ability to make every gathering more joyful simply by being there. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, playing cards, sharing stories, finding a song for every occasion and laughing until her sides hurt.

Donna is survived by her daughters, Kaitlyn (Cassandra) Torguin and Maggie Karasek; her grandchildren, Penelope, Kody, Calliope, and Phoenix; her sisters, Marie Streif, Connie (Gary) Tomter, and Diana Guinn; her nieces and nephews, Sara Jo Ryan, Michael Streif, Erik Tomter, Emily Yttri, Ona Yttri, Abby Santos, and their families; as well as countless great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Betty Guinn; former husband, Michael Karasek; niece, Misty Koeller; and brother-in-law, Melvin Streif.

Live plants are welcome. Memorial donations may be made to Redemption Chapel to support the youth ministry she loved.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Vernon County Sheriff's Office, Viroqua Police Department, Viroqua Fire Department and First Responders, Tri-State Ambulance, Emplify MedComm, Betty Nigh, and Donna's coworkers at Creamery Creek for their compassion and care.

Donna's greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely and her unwavering belief that life is best lived together.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 16th, 2026, from 5pm - 8pm at Redemption Chapel with an open mic for sharing stories or a song with fireworks to close the evening. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, August 17th at 11am with a visitation starting at 10am and luncheon to follow. Both will be held at Redemption Chapel Church. S3607 Duncan Lane, Viroqua, WI 54665.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Donna's family.

123 W. Decker St.

Viroqua, WI 54665

608-637-2100