Karen P. Rosecky

Karen P. Rosecky (née Gogin), of Waukesha, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the age of 84. She was born on March 3, 1942, in Milwaukee, one of fifteen children born to Richard and Frieda (née Kane) Gogin. Karen was raised in Genesee Depot and was a 1960 graduate of Catholic Memorial High School. She earned her associate’s teaching degree from St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota, in 1962. On June 27, 1964, she married Robert “Bob” Rosecky at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Together, they were blessed with two children, Cory and Christopher. Bob and Karen built a beautiful life together, traveling the world, spending time with friends and family, and creating memories at Beans Lake in Wautoma. Bob remained a steadfast husband, lovingly caring for Karen throughout their marriage.

Karen began her career as a grade school teacher at St. Anthony on the Lake where her positive energy had a lasting impact on her students. Years later she founded KART Art with her dear and lifelong friend Anne Walther. This business evolved into Finders Keepers Estate Sales. Karen ran her business with integrity and with the utmost respect for the families that hired her and the clients that attended her sales. She had a reputation that stood out. Karen had loyal employees that became friends and remained with her until retirement.

Karen was deeply committed to her community, contributing her time and talents to Parents Place of Waukesha, St. Mary’s School Board, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, and the Catholic Memorial High School auction. Additionally, she was very proud of her work as a docent at Ten Chimneys and the connection to her childhood home in Genesee Depot. Known for her generous spirit, Karen and Bob opened their home, hosting a foreign exchange student and two additional Catholic Memorial students. She was high-spirited, had a great sense of humor, was very social, and had a gift for remembering names. Karen’s life was marked by dedication to family, faith, and community. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Robert “Bob” Rosecky; her daughter Cory (Kevin) Chandler; son Christopher (Pauline) Rosecky; grandchildren Thomas (Meredith) Rosecky, Jordan Hartnett, Clay Hartnett, and Sarah (Samuel) Burkart; great-grandchildren Leo Rosecky and Bonnie Burkart; brother Thomas (Marge) Gogin; and twin sister Kathleen Schrader. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Barbara Rosecky, Marilyn Rosecky, Pauline Gogin, and Clare “Kea” Gogin, along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Frieda (née Kane) Gogin; infant siblings Marilyn and Michael; siblings James (Patricia) Gogin, Ruth (Ray) Grandlich, Richard Gogin, Gerald (Gloria) Gogin, Mary Ann (Michael) Radocha, Robert Gogin, John Gogin, Patricia (Robert) Sczalsinski, Sheila (Steven) Schneider, and Margaret (Michael) Castner; in-laws Patricia (Merlin) Piltz, and Donald Rosecky.

A special thank you to the Oakhill Terrace Senior Living staff, especially the memory care team, the group from Allay Hospice, the priests from Corpus Christi Parish, and numerous others for the care and compassion shown to Karen and our family.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Corpus Christi Parish–St. Mary Church, 225 S. Hartwell Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186. The Funeral Mass will begin at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made in Karen’s name to Corpus Christi Parish School or Catholic Memorial High School.