Karen Toby

Karen Toby (née Karl) peacefully passed in her sleep on October 16, 2025, at the age of 86.

She was born on November 13, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to James and Louise (Gust) Karl. She was raised in Milwaukee with her two siblings, her late sister Diane Stram, and is survived by her brother Jim Karl of Burlington, WI.

She was mother to three children; son, Scott Toby and daughter-in-law Colleen of Muskego, Wisconsin; son Rick Toby and daughter-in-law Velma of Racine, Wisconsin; and daughter Michele Toby-Wachter and husband Kevin Wachter of Cumming, Georgia. She was “Nanny” to three wonderful grandchildren, Tre, Caleen and Jake, and great-grandmother to Kol. She completely adored her grandchildren and enjoyed spending her time with them and watching them grow up.

Karen's life was filled by her many passions. She found joy in traveling, decorating, shopping, music, reading, playing canasta with friends, going to the movies, and spending time with her family. She was bubbly, fun-loving, with a childlike playfulness, and a slight mischievous streak.

Karen's spirit radiated joy, light, and kindness wherever she went. She enriched the lives of many throughout her years and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held in Wisconsin in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Karen's memory to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (st.jude.org).

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at ingramfuneralhome.com.