Karen Rondeau

Karen Lynn Rondeau (Sanders), 67, of Winona, MN, passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 10, 2025, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, WI.

Karen was born in Waupun, WI, on October 21, 1957, to Arlene and August Sanders. Later in life, she moved to Las Vegas, NV, where she met her now ex-husband, Staff Sergeant David Rondeau USAF. They were married on November 8th, 1983. The two traveled the country and the world and had three children together.

Eventually settling down in Winona, MN, Karen enjoyed numerous things. She was a die-hard Packers fan, an avid gardener, and a lover of country music and oldies. She was willing to drop everything to help her family and loved her dogs, Baby and Daisy. She loved holidays, especially Christmas time, and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind.

Karen’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Gundersen Lutheran of La Crosse and the surgical team at UW-Madison for the excellent and loving care that she received.

Karen is survived by her three children: Allison of Winona, James of Inver Grove Heights, and Robert of Winona; brothers Larry (Lori) Sanders of Waupun, WI, Scott (Wendy) Smolen of Beaver Dam, WI; sister Marilyn Sanders of Winona; niece Kristi Glodowski of Arcadia, WI; and her grandson Aaron Rondeau of Winona.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Arlene and August; her sister, Evelyn Laska; and her brother-in-law, John Laska, of Minnesota City, MN.

A celebration of life is planned for later this summer.