ELKHART -- Karen Lynn Deak, 64, formerly of 58869 Sunrise Lane, died Wednesday in Elkhart General Hospital, after a brief illness.

She was born Jan. 22, 1942, in Clinton, Iowa, to Vernon and Ruth Slemmons. She married Karl L. Deak on June 14, 1974, in Elkhart.

He survives, along with a daughter, Michelle (Ronnie) Bailey of Elkhart; a son, Marc (Becca) Bower of Elkhart; a stepdaughter, Lisa Deak of Elkhart; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her mother, Ruth (Arthur) Awe of Englewood, Fla.; and two sisters, Vivian (Antonio) Martinez of Atlanta, Ga., and Verlee of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Cremation will take place. Memorial services are planned for a later date. Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Deak worked at CTS for more than 10 years, after which she spent another 10 years with Penske Truck Leasing until her health required her early retirement. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and playing games on her computer. She also liked to shop and tend to her flower garden, and was known for her neat and tidy home and her constant companion, "Missy," her pet Shih Tzu.

Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor's choice.