Karen A. French, age 81 of Clear Lake, WI, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN.

Karen Ann French was born on December 2, 1944, in Bremerton, Washington the daughter of Kenneth & Darleen (Lebsock) Owen. She grew up in Rice Lake, WI and graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1963.

As a young woman, Karen attended beautician school in Eau Claire, WI and later began working as a hairdresser at various salons around the area. During this time, she was married to Donald “Buzz” Callaway and together they had one son, David. They later divorced. In the late 1970’s, she moved to Clear Lake, WI where she owned and operated “Silhouette Fashions” salon from her home until she retired in 2007.

On July 2, 1983, Karen was married to Stephen French and together made their home in Clear Lake. In her spare time, Karen enjoyed knitting, gardening, going to the casino, and in her younger days, bowling, where she sponsored a bowling team for many years.

Karen especially enjoyed attending antique shows, collecting and trading, eventually converting her salon into an antique shop. She loved spending time at home with her husband Stephen and son David and will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Darleen; her father, Kenneth; stepmother, Evie Quick; step-son, Paul French; & sister, Carol Hilgendorf-Lebsock.

Survived by her husband: Steve French; Son: David Callaway; Step Daughter: Jill French; Grandchildren: Taylor Lugo, Will French & Henry French; Sisters: Sharon Seraphine, Sue Gough, Sonya Erlandson, Trudy Grill, Kathy Elia, &  Carol Hilgendorf; Other Relatives, Family & Friends.

There will be a private family memorial service at a later date.

Last Update: Feb 13, 2026 8:21 am CST