Karen Wagner Herczak

Karen Marie Wagner Herczak, 65, of Bellaire, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, with her family at her side. She was born on August 18, 1959, in Ottawa, IL, the daughter of Garey and Nancy (Daugherty) Wagner.

Karen graduated from Princeton High School in Illinois. Shortly after, she ventured to New Orleans where she began her career in bartending. When she was 30, she moved to Northern Michigan and continued working in the restaurant industry. She was a bar manager at the Dockside, the Alden Bar, and the Torch Riviera over the years. She also worked at the Village Market in Rapid City for several years. She had a one-of-a-kind personality, was always quick with a joke, and never left anyone guessing what was on her mind.

Karen enjoyed spending time with her friends; whether it was playing board games, enjoying a boat ride, or drinking a few beers in the garage, she always cherished the time spent with them. She was an avid reader, and also liked to simply sit and watch all of the animals in their natural habitats outside. She enjoyed trips to the casino to play her favorite penny slots from time to time as well.

Karen is survived by her children, Courtney Herczak of Alden, and Michael Herczak of Alden; her mother, Nancy Wagner of New Orleans; her brother, Gary Wagner of Montana; and her ex-husband and father of her children, Michael (Amy) Herczak of Beulah.

She was preceded in death by her partner of over 20 years, Richard Godden; and her father, Garey Wagner.

A celebration of Karen’s life will take place at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com