Karen A Lenhart

Karen was born on March 28, 1941, and died on April 28, 2024, following a valiant fight against cancer. The following is Karen’s life story written in her own words.

I was blessed with loving parents and feel fortunate to have grown up in a bustling family with six siblings on a farm in central Wisconsin. My childhood was full and free and a favorite memory has been riding a horse through farmlands as a youngster. Following high school, I met and eventually married Phil Lenhart while working in Madison, WI. He was a loyal and loving partner and our marriage was strong for 57 years.  

My greatest pride in life came from the two daughters Phil and I raised into the strong women they are today. Stacey (Erik) Fernstrom and Kim stood by my side in March of 2023 when Phil passed away and were loving and stalwart companions in my fight against cancer. It’s an honor to have been their mother.  

My two grandchildren, Brady Harbort and Livia Fernstrom, are old enough for me to recognize the good, kind adults they’ve become. I rest easy with that knowledge.

I received my college diploma after my daughters were raised. I was 39 years old when I graduated with a degree in Education with a minor in Art. I accepted a job with an insurance company offered by a friend who needed office help. I started in an entry position and left 16 years later as an executive.

It was at this point that Phil and I embarked on the second part of our life: retirement at our cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In 2009 I became involved with several other artists to form the Land O’ Lakes Area Arts (LOLA) initiative to promote arts in the far north. This not-for-profit organization and the associated artists’ showcase, Artistree Gallery formed at that time, enables artists of all media to fulfill their own artistic potential while bringing enrichment, arts education, and beautification to the local and wider community. I was so very proud to have been involved in the establishment and growth of this worthy endeavor, which is now an integral part of the area in which I lived.

Through the years, I made wonderful friendships, many lasting more than 55 years. Each family member and every friend I made along the way contributed to the person I grew to be. I am grateful to every one of you.  

In addition to her daughters and their families, Karen is survived by her siblings, Larry (Barb) Schewe, Kay “Jim” Stern, Connie (Don) Deneen and Cathie (Greg) Gill; brother-in-law, Jim Stueck; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Phil she was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Irma (Jueds) Schewe; brother, Tom (Nancy) Schewe and sister, Peggy Stueck

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Do not grieve for me. I had a wonderful life.

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420