Mineola manager Karen Jakstas dead at 42

Karen Jakstas, best known for her years spent as the manager of the Mineola Hotel and Lounge on the Chain O' Lakes in Fox Lake, has died, officials said Monday.

No official cause of death was released. She was 42.

She was described by friends and family members as having an amazing zest for life and a witty sense of humor.

Fox Lake Police Chief Mike Behan said officers were called to Jakstas' Forest Avenue home at 12:58 p.m. Sunday by a family member performing a well-being check.

They were soon met by Fox Lake Fire Protection District officials, who attempted resuscitation efforts, Behan said. Lake County Coroner's officials pronounced Jakstas dead at the scene a short time later.

Karen Jakstas was a lifelong Fox Lake resident who graduated from Grant Community High School in 1987. She joined her family's business and took over as manager of the Mineola Lounge at 91 Cora St., Fox Lake in the early 1990s.

She also served for two years as the community and business liaison for the village of Fox Lake after being appointed the post by former mayor Cindy Irwin.

“She made everyone feel like they were part of her family,” said friend Chad Kamp. “She was the first person you want to share anything good or bad with, and the first person you seek out for advice. She would give the shirt off her back for anyone. I'm really going to miss her.”

Funeral arrangements for Karen Jakstas are pending, family members said Monday.