Karen Violet Ziegler
October 17, 1940 - February 15, 2019
Obituary
SUN PRAIRIE-Karen Violet Ziegler, age 78, of Sun Prairie, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Born Karen Peterson to Clarence and Violet (Larson) Peterson on Oct. 17, 1940, she attended Washington School, Central High School and Madison East High School. She then worked in a law office where she met her first husband, Marvin Helgesen. They had three children and she was a devoted wife, mother and friend. When she was young, Karen enjoyed ice skating, and was in a Young Skater's Club where she was offered to go train for the Olympics but her mother didn't want her to go. Most recently, she was married to Gary Ziegler and enjoyed nine good years doing fun things with him. Karen is survived by her husband, Gary and his family; two sons, Randy and Darren Helgesen; daughter, Heather (Duane) McGowan; grandson, Daniel Malsch; granddaughters, Jenna and Piper McGowan; brother, Gerald Peterson; and two dogs, Buster and Skippy. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Glenn and Wayne. A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 4:15 P.M. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3:00 pm until the time of the service on Wednesday. A big thank you to Heartland Hospice and Pastor Dave. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
608-221-5420
Events
Visitation
Wed Feb 27, 2019 @ 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Celebration of Life
Wed Feb 27, 2019 @ 4:15 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Karen have been shared yet.
Memories
BC
Barb Cheron
Other •
My dear Aunt Karen, I can't believe you are gone from us. But, you will live forever in our hearts. You were such a special soul, so kind, funny, smart, generous and gentle. I was blessed to be your niece. I'm sure you have reunited with grandma, telling stories and sharing laughs. I love you so much. Barby
ST
Shirley (Peterson) Temby
Other •
Karen, you would be my first cousin, my dad, Willis was your dad's brother. I'm sure we met as young girls. I live in Michigan, we come back every year but we never were able to connect . I feel bad to not have met you as adults. When I see your picture you look so much like a Peterson.
JP
Jerry and Heny Peterson
Other •
To my Dear Sister Karen (“Tooter”)
There are no words to express the deep love and sadness I will endure as you leave this earth, but I know that some day I will join you, Wayne, baby Brother Glen, our Mom and Dad in the hereafter. When we were young, I fondly remember what a great figure skater you were at the Madison Ice Rink. I always enjoyed hearing how you loved your job for Attorney Cates too and I know they thought the world of you. One of the funniest memories is that on Christmas morning, you were always up first to open the presents while Wayne and I slept. I think you might have opened a few for a peek. I was so blessed when you welcomed my wife Heny into our family and how kind and gentle you were to her and then the two of you became best friends. I am shedding many tears and prayers now for you and your family. I don’t know what else to say Tooter except I wish I had the chance to spend more time with you, but I went in the Army at 17 and did not see you for 6 years. Heny and I cherish the many times for pizza with you and Gary at Paisans and steaks at Texas Road House. I will always miss and carry in my heart fond memories of my Dear “Tooter”.
Rest in Peace Tooter.
Jerry
To my Dear Sister Karen,
Yes Karen, you were my soul Sister. I loved you when I first met you at 17. Your love and kindness lasted throughout our years. My first memories are after just coming to the US from Germany. You gave me three beautiful sweaters from your closet. You were always sharing and giving. We have so many great memories….all the Christmases and Thanksgivings we shared with our families. You always made the most perfect dressing for the turkey and you taught me how to do it. I loved you so much and will miss you always. My prayers are with Gary and your family.
Your loving Soul Mate
Heny