Karen Mae Bork

Karen's Livestream Service will begin at 12 noon CT on Monday, May 2, 2022.

There are two ways to join the Live Webcast:  

1. Scroll down to the Events, under the Livestream Service click on "Watch Event"  

2. Click on tribute wall (above) and click on "Live Webcast"   

RIPON/DEFOREST - Well, my journey on earth has ended. I never would have believed it would go so fast. However, my ride has been a wonderful and meaningful daily gift for many years... who could ask for anything more! I was born to Jens and Ellen Haug on a cold winter’s night and was their only child. They gave me love unending and Norwegian heritage. Since my mother was Norwegian and my father was born in Norway, my home was one of many traditions. I received a sense of discipline, work ethic, and enjoyment of music leading me to become a piano teacher, organist, and I earned a UW Madison degree in physical therapy. Also, we had the love of "up north" in a cabin each summer and a sense of family that encouraged, understood faith in God, fun and laughter, kindness to others and pursuing hopes and dreams as my father did in coming to America at the age of 19.

My journey led me to become Mrs. Donald E. Bork Sr., receiving the gift of four sons through the love of God: Brett Bork (Sue), Christopher Chad Bork (Dianne), Donald Bork Jr. (Beth) and Seth Bork (Dana). The joy of raising four boys and observing their growth in all their activities and life achievements made me realize what a miracle life and family is. Their wives brought us more gifts, then the delight of grandchildren: Jack and Emma Bork, Kariana and Anja Bork, Eden, Hannah, Olivia, and Zeke Juel (Paige); and our great-grandson, Martin. Being a mom and a wife was my dream and what a wonderful time I had.

Professionally my journey included being a physical therapist, piano teacher, organist, helping my husband and his business, getting a master’s degree in grief counseling and death education, creating a crisis team for the Appleton school system, creating a continuing care counseling service for a funeral home, and being a presenter at many conventions and organizations. My interests were painting, rosemaling, reading, writing, church committees, and Chapter EI of P.E.O. for Door County. Retirement in Door County has been another new journey. Many meaningful and happy times were spent up north at our restored log cabin. Also, we cherished our trips to Norway, my first when I was 14 with my parents, another on our 50th anniversary, and our most recent in 2016. I have been blessed with 57 years of marriage to "my honey" and would love another 50 but I’ve had my hopes and dreams, what more could I ask than my next journey be to my heavenly home. "In God’s time all things are right, beautiful and possible when you believe."

My end-of-life journey included having cancer, it was a special time for our family showing us joy and blessings even in the difficult times. May all of you, my family, friends, and others continue to enjoy your journey and find your miracles each day. Remember even though I have died I am still with you in heart and mind, I will see you again...

A funeral service will be held at BURKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5720 Portage Road, Madison, at 12 noon, on Monday, May 2, 2022. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday, May 2, 2022.

Memorials may be made in Karen’s name to Burke Lutheran Cemetery Association, St. Jude’s Research Hospital or St. Agnesian Hospice - Green Lake. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420