SUN PRAIRIE - Karen Ann Herro, age 67, of Madison, passed away on May 29, 2025.

Karen Ann Herro was born on December 8, 1957, to Bert and Donna (Mueller) Herro in Madison, Wisconsin. Karen was a lively child who loved playing outside and enjoyed collecting snakes and toads with her big brother, Dave, which they would use to tease their older sister, Diane.

Karen graduated from LaFollette High School in 1976 and went on to work as a computer programmer. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Marquette University, specializing in mental health and substance abuse.

Karen was a gifted artist and was known for her art, especially her annual hand-drawn Christmas cards. Her loved ones are especially grateful to have their Karen Herro original paintings and drawings.

Her passion for art and mental health made Cornucopia Arts & Wellness Center a natural fit. She was introduced to the non-profit, run for and by people in mental health and substance use recovery, in 1998. She later became a Certified Peer Counselor and served as Executive Director. Karen was very proud of the work Cornucopia does, and represented Cornucopia by appearing on local news stations, being interviewed in local newspapers, and even throwing out the first pitch at a Madison Mallards baseball game. She found a “home” at Cornucopia, and helped others feel at home there as well.

Karen was dealt many setbacks in her life, but she never let them define her and never felt sorry for herself. She was smart, talented, clever, quick-witted, and had a talent for both art and business sense. She leaves behind a giant hole in the lives of her friends and family. She is deeply missed and will be grieved always.

Karen is survived by her sister, Diane Herro Halvorson; brother, David (Sandy) Herro; aunts, Barb Herro and Virginia; niece, Heather Halvorson Wolver; nephew, Adam (Brittany Dahlman) Halvorson; step-great nephew, Darian; cat, Norm; and treasured friends and co-workers at Cornucopia, including Laurie, Greg, and Sandra, and many cousins and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Phil, Fran, Ed, and Marge; uncles, Eddie and Norman; nephew-in-law, Josh; and cats, Bozo, Oreo, Wimpy, Bosco, and Ernie.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Memorials may be made in Karen’s honor to Cornucopia Arts & Wellness Center, c/o Diane Halvorson, at 2406 Stonehaven Drive in Sun Prairie, WI, 53590.

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

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Karen A. Herro

December 08, 1957 - May 29, 2025

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