STOUGHTON-Kären Tuhus Oncken, age 88, of Stoughton, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022. She was born on May 19, 1934, in Reedsburg, the daughter of Amund and Valera (Riggert) Tuhus. She married Don Oncken on June 4, 1955, in Loganville.

Kären’s profession was teaching. Her career saw her teach around the world, and the Stoughton Area. She taught in a one room Country School House (Stone), Internationally, (Kabul Afghanistan 1966-68) and then 25 distinguished years in Stoughton Area Schools (East and Kegonsa).

Kären was active in her community and church. She was a member of the Stoughton Jaycettes, the Gideon Auxiliary, the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association (WREA), Hillcrest Bible Church including the Missions board, the All-Missions team and JOY Group. Other favorites were stitch group, stretch class and quilting group at Lakeview Church, numerous study groups and was a Disney Vacation Club member.

Kären enjoyed spending time with family and took numerous vacations. She was also responsible for designated weekly family time to catch up at Culver’s. Kären was an avid sports fan cheering for the Bucks, Badgers, Brewers and Packers. She loved OBU Volleyball. Kären was an avid knitter and quilter and enjoyed sewing and hardanger. She knitted baby blankets for each dedicated child at church, all her grandchildren and great grandchildren and gave away numerous blankets to many others. She was very faithful in Bible reading and prayer, Kären prayed each night for each individual family member and their families.

Kären is survived by four daughters, Rebecca (Gary) Behling, Kim (Norman) Monsen, Brenda (Dave) Beck and Michelle (Robin) Brietzman; 10 grandchildren, Aaron Behling, Gina (Doug) Damman, Anna (Tyler) Howle, Erick Monsen, Paul Monsen, Mereta (Mark) Newpower, Kara (Bryan) Smith, Kristin (Roger Laurin) Seimits, Justin (Alison) Crubaugh and Brad (Crystal Matt) Brietzman; 17 great grandchildren and one on the way; sister, Sandra Carlson; sister-in-law, Audrey (Ron Sikkema) Ebert; brother-in-law, John Oncken; and her beloved cat, Ole. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don; and brother-in-law, Ralph Carlson.

A celebration of life will be held at HILLCREST BIBLE CHURCH, 752 East Netherwood St., Oregon, at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, with the Rev. Fred Schmitt presiding. Burial will be held at Graves Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 12 p.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. The service will be live streamed at <https://hillcrestbiblechurch.com/watch>.

The family wishes to recognize some of Kären’s special friends who became part of her family; Jonnie, Gideon, Bernie, Michelle and Taylor, Kay, Carol and many others. Special thanks to Agrace HospiceCare for their kindness and warm hearts assisting Kären.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590

Karen Oncken

May 19, 1934 - December 06, 2022

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