Karen Mae Tofte,

Photo Tofte, Karen STOUGHTON-Karen Mae (Snittler) Tofte, age 70, left this world unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, at home. Karen was born on March 9, 1942, in Menomonie, the daughter of Elzie M. and Julia L. (Jensen) Snittler. In 1950 they moved to Navy Yard City, Bremerton, Wash., where she graduated from Bremerton High School in 1960. In 1961 Karen married and later had two children, Mona and Lisa. Eventually moving to New Jersey, she started her own keypunching business and soon became a successful partner at Broad Data Systems in New York City. In 1974, she divorced and returned to Madison with her two children, where she worked at WPS, Cuna & Affiliates as a manager, and U.S. Central Credit Union as a Technology Analyst until her retirement in 2003. Karen also obtained one of her dreams and obtained her Associate Degree in Business at Cardinal Stritch College in 1990. Karen married Richard “Dick” Tofte on July 3, 1981, in Oregon, where they resided for many years. They built their dream home in Stoughton in 2002, and Karen loved the task of decorating and entertaining guests. She and Dick enjoyed their time spent together traveling with special friends and relatives and enjoying the outdoors camping in their motor home at Lake Camelot. For the past 18 years, Karen struggled with Multiple Sclerosis. She was strong, lived life to the fullest loving her grandchildren, and will be remembered for her contagious laugh. Karen was surrounded by members in her MS Support Group, who each faced their own challenges and did so together. She was also surrounded by love, laughter and lots of fun each Friday with her beloved card group. Karen is survived by her husband, Dick Tofte of Stoughton; daughters, Mona (Roger Bolt) Dudley of Fitchburg, and Lisa (Alan) Raisbeck of Madison; brother, Scott (Monica) Snittler of Belleville; mother-in-law, Grace Tofte of Stoughton; grandchildren, Angela Nelson, Zachary Larson, Jonathon Larson, Julia Larson, Cody Raisbeck, Cadyn Raisbeck, and Paxton Raisbeck; nieces, Adrienne and Stephanie; special cousins, Suzanne (Jim) Froeschle and Jr. (Dee) Tofte; close friends, Carol, Sandy, Loren and Maryann; and her beloved cat, Redford. She was preceded in death by her parents, Julia and Elzie “Swede” Snittler; father-in-law, Amlin Tofte; special cousin, Ramona Bandelow; beloved second father, LaVerne Ader; and special friend, Mert. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL HOME, 1358 Hwy. 51, Stoughton, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, with Pastor Phil Haslanger presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. A luncheon will follow the service at VFW Post 328, 200 Veterans Rd, Stoughton. Karen was a great friend, mom and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. “Remember the Red River Valley, Karen, where we will meet again…” On-line condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care 1358 Highway 51 (608) 873-4590