Karen B. Johnson

PRAIRIE DU SAC – Karen’s kind, generous, and loving heart had given all it had to give and her soul moved into God’s hands on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Karen was born in Marshall, Wis., the daughter of Emil and Margaret (Radis) Langer, on Aug. 3, 1938. Karen graduated from Sun Prairie High School. On March 30, 1957, she married LaVerne Johnson and they had two children, Monte and Jayme. Karen’s employments included working in a law office on the Madison square, Riegel Law Office, the Federal Bankruptcy Court, and the Post Office. In 1973, Karen and Vern built the Timbers in Deforest, starting an adventure that would define their lives. They both were social people and the bar was their playground, touching so many lives over the years. Karen was always ready to help family and friends. She was the first person most sought out for advice as she always had the right words and offered the wisdom and comfort to get them through. She loved to connect, whether it be a nice talk or handwritten letter of thanks, to show she cared and they were thought of. This was her greatest gift. Moving the family to the lake house in Okee in 1973 was another avenue for them. Karen, always the perfect hostess, had all the gatherings for family and friends. She was happy to do so and she made it seem without effort. She took great pride in her homes and yards and both were always beautifully cared for. She enjoyed working at a floral shop and made the most beautiful floral arrangements for herself and family, changing them constantly. Karen and Vern were never at a loss for places to enjoy with the family. Outings included skiing at Cascade, ice skating at Tenney park, sledding, and boating on Lake Mendota or Wisconsin. The grandkids were then able to share in the love of their adventures by visiting often. Karen and Vern loved to travel and took the family cross-country on many trips with the convertible top down. After retiring, they spent many winters in Marco Island with friends. Karen was able to travel to Ireland with Jayme and to Mexico with Vern, Jayme, Ashley and Ryan. The trips were filled with joy and lasting memories. Most of all, Karen loved her family around her, and her grandkids and great-grandkids brought her so much joy. She would just light up when they were around. Karen was grandma to all the kids, whether they were family or not. You were the family rock, the strength, the conscience, the critic. Your one-liners about people were legendary. Always the one that cared for all and never wanting anything but our happiness. Dad’s passing in January broke your heart and the bond was too strong to keep you here with us. Now you are together again reunited with family and good friends. We loved you so and we will miss the love that you showed and brought to our lives. Until we meet again in heaven, Mum. Karen is survived by her son, Monte (Lori); daughter, Jayme; granddaughters, Ashley (Ryan) Davis and Lindsay (Jason) Berning; and great-grandchildren, Samantha Davis and Brantley, Madelyn and Beckham Berning. Her brother, Mike, and brother-in-law, Bud, were always close in her thoughts. A celebration of life for Karen and Vern will be held at a later date. Please visit www.gundersonfh.com for updates and to share online condolences. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761