Karen Williams

Karen Ann Williams, 73, passed away peacefully at home in Nisswa, MN, on August 3, 2026. Karen was born in Waukegan, IL, on December 15, 1952, to Dr. Chester and Anna Ciecko. She graduated from Carmel High School in Mundelein, IL, in 1970, attended the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, MN, and the University of Iowa for graduate studies. She started working as a registered nurse in 1974 and worked as a dedicated health care professional at various hospitals and colleges around the country for her entire career until retirement in May of 2018. She married Richard Roland Williams on November 22, 1975, and together they had three children: Julie Ann (Nicholas Delwiche) of Missoula, MT, Scott Reed of Crosslake, MN, and John Richard (Christiana) of St. Louis Park, MN.

She is survived by her beloved family, including her brothers, sisters-in-law, and brother-in-law: James and JoAnne Ciecko, Charles and Terry Ciecko, Peter and Patti Ciecko, Robert and Sara Williams; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Anna Ciecko, and Roland and Lorraine Williams, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ross and Bonnie Williams, and her nephew, Michael Williams. She had a life-long passion for gardening, travel, National Parks, hanging out with “The Girls,” playing games, Book Club, her faith, and her family. She was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of the Lakes, serving in various roles including as a committed adorer in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel for over 20 years. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and friend, for her devotion to her family and friends, her kind heart, and her beautiful garden.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Nisswa, MN, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, with visitation at 9:00 a.m. and fellowship to follow. Rite of Committal and Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Nisswa, MN.