Karen Ruth Shaw
August 14, 1934 - October 14, 2023
Obituary
LODI - Karen R. Shaw, age 89, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at St. Mary's Hospital.
She was born on August 14, 1934, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Donald and Ruth (Klimesch) England.
Karen grew up in Chicago, IL on Sayre Avenue and had many fond memories of her parents, siblings, and neighborhood. She graduated from Taft High School in 1952. She then married, moved across several states, and had four children before settling in Lodi, WI. While raising her children, Karen attended Madison Area Technical College to earn her nursing degree. She was employed with Divine Savior Hospital in Portage until her retirement in 1999.
Karen’s greatest joy in life was her family, with many happy, loving memories made at her home. Whether it was a holiday meal with extended family, a creek walk, annual silly family photo or playing spoons badly, Karen was the heart of the family. Karen was a lover of dogs and an active member and past president of Badger Kennel Club (BKC). In 1989 she spearheaded the BKC Dog Fair to educate the public on responsible dog ownership and introduce them to a large variety of dog breeds along with the fun of conformation showing and various dog sports. The Dog Fair ran continuously for 30 years. Karen bred and showed bearded collies, earning many titles and developing lifelong friendships along the way. She adored her Tibetan spaniel, Kismet, who was her constant companion later in life. Before her second husband Earl’s death, Karen enjoyed traveling together in their RV throughout the west and southwest. She was also an avid gardener, reader and bird enthusiast.
Karen is survived by her sons, Eric (Terry Vaughn), and Toby; her daughters, Eva Shaw and Angie (Craig Fitzwilliams) Shaw; six grandchildren, Lauren (Karl Bock) Shaw, Carson Wall, Connor Wall, Keaton Shaw, Maddie Shaw, Zoe (Kennedy Gonzalez) Shaw; three step-grandchildren, Maggie (Derek) Groshan, Brandon Fitzwilliams, and Ellie Fitzwilliams; her brother, Bruce (Marsha) England; her sister, Martha Woodman; her sister-in-law, Susan England and other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Lanzendorf; her parents; and her brother, Bill England.
A Celebration of Life honoring Karen will be held at the BADGER KENNEL CLUB, 5925 Haase Rd., DeForest, Wi 53532, on January 20, 2024 from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Memorials may be made to Badger Kennel Club.
A full obituary may be viewed, and online condolences made at www.gundersonfh.com
Gunderson Lodi
Funeral & Cremation Care
157 South Main Street
(608) 592-3201