Karen Burcalow

MIDDLETON - Karen Jean Burcalow passed away in her Middleton home on Monday, May 2, 2022, surrounded by her family after a several-year struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Karen was always friendly, positive and caring with every person she touched, whether they were a close friend or a chance encounter in the community. She is survived by her husband, Larry; son, Paul (Becky) Burcalow; daughter, Renee (Patrick Kelly) Burcalow; and loving grandchildren, Lauren, Clare, William, Cade and Elin. She was preceded in death by her son, Tyler Burcalow, and like Tyler, she was deeply loved and will be forever missed.  

Karen was born and raised in Montana, and a love for the West would always remain an important part of Karen’s life. She received her teaching degree from Eastern Montana College and through the years spent significant time in and around Big Sky Country, enjoying the mountains and introducing her children and grandchildren to the excitement and joy of being on the river, riding horses and skiing. We are all grateful for the adventures, memories and traditions we made there with Karen.

After meeting and eventually marrying her husband Larry in Montana, they made their home in Wisconsin, and Karen became a French and English teacher in the Waunakee School District.  She enjoyed this job for several years, only giving it up to become a full-time Mom. Yet even then, her love for kids and her desire to help them learn and grow kept her engaged and active with the school and community. Karen volunteered countless hours, both in the schools and with outside extracurricular activities, from Girl Scouts to Cub Scouts to numerous fundraisers. Most notably, she and Larry established the Yahara Soccer Club, Middleton’s first competitive youth soccer program. That legacy lives on today in the current Wisconsin Rush Program.

Karen loved the water, and she and Larry made their home at several locations on Lake Mendota during her life in Wisconsin, always appreciative of the views and the bustle of lake life. Karen had a unique gift for making her surroundings beautiful, warm and welcoming. Her home was always the place where people wanted to be, whether to savor a cup of coffee in the morning (which was always available and always extra strong) or to join the fun at the ideal after-game congregation spot for kids and coaches.  She was a great listener and made everyone feel comfortable and welcome.

Karen was a friend to many people, a best friend to a special few, and we’re grateful for these wonderful and enduring relationships. The family would like to thank those who meant so much to her during her life and at the end, including her healthcare professionals, Agrace HospiceCare, and most notably her incredible caregiver, Maimouna Thera, who cared deeply for Karen and became a treasured part of the family.

A private gathering of immediate family was held. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Tyler A. Burcalow Charitable Foundation, PO Box 277, Waunakee, WI  53597. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-676