Karen Hantula

HURLEY, Wis. — Karen Hantula (nee Sargent), 82, was called home on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022,

Karen was born in Mercer on Feb. 14, 1939, and spent her life in Hurley. She was the oldest of six children, and she was a 1958 graduate of J.E. Murphy High School. Karen married Toivo “Toby” Hantula on June 25, 1960.

Throughout her life, Karen was a faithful member of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Ironwood, where she served many roles including Altar Guild, Facilities Coordinator, Treasurer, and member of the Episcopal Church Women’s Organization. She was also the Class of 1958 Reunion Committee Treasurer.

Karen’s faith guided all that she did, and she fiercely loved her family. She was a kind, loving and loyal daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Everyone who knew her felt her kindness, and she will be missed by many.

She is survived by her daughters, Brenda and Barbara Hantula; siblings, Raymark (Lynn) Sargent and Mary (Joseph) Armata; nieces and nephews, Mike Hantula, Carrie Ann (Marty) Hersh, Denise Sargent, Sharon (Rick) McCollum, Donald (Patricia) Sargent, Chad Lundgren, Ryan Lundgren and Eric (Nicole) Lundgren; and several great-nieces and great-nephews, including “her boys” Ben and Josh Hersh.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Virginia Sargent; husband, Toivo “Toby” Hantula; daughter, Debra Hantula; siblings, William (Karen) Sargent, Judith (Thomas) Lundgren and Patricia Sargent; brother and sister-in-law, Bob (Mary) Hantula; and nieces, Ann (Hantula) Davis and Irene Hantula.

A memorial service will be held in late Spring 2022.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Karen’s legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.