Karen Kay Grob

DEERFIELD-Karen Kay Grob was granted her angel wings on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Karen had touched in some small way throughout her very memorable life. Karen’s life would seem short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Her gentle smile and caring deeds brought so much joy to others. Karen was born on Dec. 6, 1945, in Madison, to Roy and Lucille Knickmeier. She graduated from Monona Grove High School and married the love of her life, Raphael R. Grob on Oct. 12, 1962. Karen was a secretary for Thorpe Finance and a file clerk at American Family Insurance before becoming a homemaker and raising four beautiful children, David, Susan, Michael and Jonathan. After her father’s death, Karen gained a wonderful step-father, Harold Peterson, who she greatly admired. Once all the children were in school, Karen volunteered at the Deerfield Elementary School where she later became employed. She continued with the schools in different areas and eventually retired in June 2010, after 31 wonderful and rewarding years with the school district. Karen’s true life reward are her 11 precious grandchildren, Cody, Matthew, Brandon, Thomas, Colin, Andrew, Bradley, Amanda, Travis, Carson and Natalie. Nothing gave her more pleasure than to see them grow. Karen devoted much of her time and energy to her family. If the love for her family could keep her alive, Karen would have lived forever. Karen is survived by her loving husband, Ray of Deerfield; son, David (Kelly) of Cottage Grove and children, Brandon, Bradley and Carson; daughter, Susan (Corey) of Deerfield and children, Cody, Colin and Amanda; son, Michael (Laura) of Cottage Grove and children, Matthew, Thomas and Andrew; son, Jonathan (Kimberly) of Deerfield and children, Travis and Natalie; mother-in-law, Rosetta Grob of Cottage Grove; and many, many loved ones. She also leaves behind special friendships with Alice Mikkelson and Kay Herms. The bonds that were created will be carried with her in her soul. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Lucille Knickmeier; step-father, Harold Peterson; father-in-law, Raphael A. Grob; goddaughter, Tamara Grob; and nephew, Adam Grob. Funeral services will be held at ST. PAUL’S LIBERTY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3494 Oak Park Road, Deerfield, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, with Pastor Dan Anderson presiding. Interment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Liberty Lutheran Church in Karen’s memory. A special thank you to Dr. Al Musa and Amy Nicholson for their compassionate medical care and supporting friendship throughout the years. Life is but a stopping place, A pause in what’s to be, a resting place along the road, to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, Different paths along the way, We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay... Our destination is a place, Far greater than we know. For some the journey’s quicker, For some the journey’s slow. And when the journey finally ends, We’ll claim a great reward, And find an everlasting peace, Together with the Lord. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com Cemetery: Interment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Liberty Lutheran Church in Karen’s memory. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. Funeral services will be held at ST. PAUL’S LIBERTY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3494 Oak Park Road, Deerfield, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, with Pastor Dan Anderson presiding.