Karen Sue (Krause) Ladman, age 70, of Wilber, passed away peacefully at home Dec. 30, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.
Karen was born June 19, 1955. She graduated from Geneva High School in 1973. During high school and after graduating, she worked at various restaurants and babysat for families in the area, a job that she loved.
Karen and her children eventually made their home in Wilber, where she met Allen Ladman. They were united in marriage Sept. 6, 1997.
Karen held various jobs during her lifetime. She worked at Petersen Manufacturing in DeWitt, Doane College in Crete and Wilber-Clatonia High school. Her one true love was running a daycare out of her home. In many instances, she took care of the children of parents she used to take care of when they were younger. She ran a daycare in her home until May 2025, when she retired due to health reasons. She truly loved the littles and treated them as she would her own grandchildren.
Karen enjoyed camping and spending time outdoors. She also cherished the time she got to spend with her children and grandchildren, from going to sporting events, school and choir concerts, to working on sewing projects.
She is preceded in death by her father, Melvin Krause; fathers-in-law, Loren Ladman and Richard Kasl; nephew, Joshua Krause; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.
She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Allen Ladman; daughter, Lisa (Ough) Hefner; sons, David Baxa, Chad Baxa and Christopher (Katlin) Ladman; grandchildren, Jacob Hefner, Mason Hefner, Madison Kattau, Emery Baxa, Dylan Baxa, Kyler Ladman; mother, Carolyn Krause, mother-in-law, Shirley Kasl; sister, JoAnn (Greg Knox) Sutton; brother, Brad (Joline) Krause; sister-in-law, Sharon Slama; nieces, Kelly Krause, Nicole Krause, Nicole Knox, Jenny (Tyler) Stohs; and nephew, Judd (Ness) Slama.
The funeral service will be Saturday, Jan. 10, at 10:30 a.m. at Sokol Hall in Wilber. Following a graveside service, lunch will be provided. Casual attire is requested. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for future designation.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.
