Karen J. Krause

MADISON - Karen J. Krause, age 60, passed away after a valiant struggle with leukemia at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center on Friday, Sept. 1, 2006. She was born on Sept. 24, 1945, in Madison, the daughter of Earl J. and Ruth (Brockmann) Krause. She grew up in Sun Prairie and was a graduate of Sun Prairie High School in 1963. She graduated in 1972 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor of science degree in art history. In 1975, she also studied photography at the Milwaukee Area Technical College. She worked in various positions for the state of Wisconsin, most recently as Financial Specialist with the Dictionary of American Regional English Project in the UW English Department, until her retirement in 2004. She belonged to the Toastmaster's Club. Karen loved reading, cats, crossword puzzles, yoga, cooking, learning about nutrition and health, movies, walking, going out to eat, libraries, traveling around the state, and living on the lake. She also enjoyed writing and had begun writing a mystery novel. Karen is survived by her mother, Ruth Krause; a sister, Carol Krause; her cats, Leo and Jaspurr; her very close and loyal friends, Sherry Angell and Marylynne Mehl, who have been by her side throughout her illness to provide great support and love, as well as many other loyal friends who were there for her in time of need. She is further survived by many cousins, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father and a special, Aunt "Lou" Gavanda. A memorial service will be held at the ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4058 Lien Road, on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006, at 1 p.m. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from noon until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family. Karen's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Mary's Hospital for their special care of Karen this past year. Also special thanks for the kindness and care from the staff at the HospiceCare Center.