Karen J. Krahn

MADISON- Karen J. Krahn, age 54, of Madison, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with sarcoma on Sunday, May 19, 2013, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on May 2, 1959 in Cudahy. She graduated from Cudahy High School in 1977 and from UW Whitewater in 1982, with a degree in biology. Karen worked for several years at Agrigenetics prior to joining the Madison Police Department on April 24, 1995. She had many responsibilities while serving with the Madison Police Department. She served as a patrol officer and later as a patrol sergeant. Karen was proud to be a true night-fighter. She joined the Special Events Team and was a grenadier and a platoon leader. She worked events like Mifflin St parties, Halloween Freakfests, US Conference of Mayors, Presidential and dignitary visits and the political protests of 2011-12. Karen was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Medal of Valor, the first MPD Courageous Service Award created in her honor and received numerous commendations from citizens and co-workers. She was courageous as she battled this disease. Her will and determination allowed her to return to work for several months. She retired on May 9, 2013 after 18 years. Karen was a fierce competitor in volleyball. She also enjoyed softball, hockey, camping, traveling, playing cards, and bringing people together. Karen is survived by her life partner, Shelly Gilbertson; brothers, Greg and Mark (Annabelle Gibbs); Shelly’s sister, Lou Ann (Gary) Mittelstaedt; Shelly’s brother, Rich (Elly) Lasiter; nieces, Brittney, Lauren, and Hailey; nephews, Neil, Kevin, Bret, and Kory; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, David H. and Irmgard Krahn; and sister-in-law, Colleen. Funeral services will be held at MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2013, with the Rev. Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carbone Cancer Center or to Capital K-9 Association. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. Funeral services will be held at MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2013, with the Rev. Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding.