Karen M. Laska, 64 of East Chicago, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2017 following a long struggle with cancer at the Munster Community Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Blanche (Tolin) Laska; cherished sister of Michael (Laurie) Laska; dearest aunt of Melissa (Anthony) Young, Michelle (Chris Bulek) Laska and Michael (Chasity) Laska; dear great aunt of Noah, Harper, Ellah, Taylor, Madison, Kylee and the late Blake Laska; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting with the Rev. Mark R. Peres, C.PP.S., officiating; interment, Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, Illinois; visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00pm; parish wake service at the funeral home on Friday at 4:30pm.

Karen Laska was born on July 4, 1953 in East Chicago, Indiana and was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Assoc., BR. 109. She was the owner and operator of the Brass Bell Lounge, in East Chicago for 35 years, which was the love of her life along with “Phoebe” her cat and her family and friends. Karen will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

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