Kari L. Armstrong

MONONA- Kari Lee Armstrong, entered the world with her spirited presence on June 6, 1960, and departed on April 23, 2024, leaving a legacy of love and laughter. Born and raised in Madison, Wis., she went on to live life in the very community that shaped her. As the sun set on her life’s journey, Kari passed away in her hometown, surrounded by the warmth of her family, following complications after open heart surgery.

Kari's life was a tapestry woven with the love of her family, which stood at the heart of her world. Her lasting bonds are cherished by her devoted husband of 28 years, Michael, and her beloved children: Nicole (Kyle) Carr, Hunter (Angela) Weber, Brenden (Julia) Armstrong, and Joshua Driscoll. Kari's joy was multiplied as she became a grandmother to Madison, Aria, Everly, Vanessa, Karysma, Kali, Rayliana as well as Joshua’s children. Her close-knit family circle included her stepmother, Carol Jean Fillner; her siblings: Terri (Kodi) Sirois, Sherri (Mike) Durant, Glenn (Lori) Fillner; brothers-in-law, Lance (Kim) Ward and Juan Ward; her sister-in-law, Phyllis Casey; and many nieces and nephews that she loved very much. Kari is now at rest with her mother, Laura (Donals) Fillner; father, Glenn Fillner (Toby); mother-in-law, Helen Ward; and brother-in-law, Timothy Ward, who preceded her in death.

She inhabited life with a loving nature, sharing her passions freely. Her love for the simplicity of life shone through in her joy for music, flowers, reading, the treasures found at garage sales, the delight of summer days spent at the pool, coffee dates, karaoke and farmers market strolls with her children were among her cherished moments.

She carried with her an unfiltered sincerity and an infectious laugh that made the world brighter for those around her. Strong-willed and fiercely loving, Kari was the embodiment of someone who both lived for and loved her family. Her memory lives on, not just in the echoes of her laughter, but in the hearts of everyone who was fortunate to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at AHUSKA PARK, 400 E. Broadway, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024.  

The family wishes to extend a special Thank You to several people who helped Kari, especially, Julia, Angela Bonjour-Weber, JB Richmond, Terri Sirois, Courtney Doiron and Nick Brayshaw.

Quote by Abraham Lincoln:  And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.  It’s the life in your years.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420