Karen Jeanne Swenson

MADISON, Wis. - Karen J. Swenson, age 82, passed away peacefully at home in Madison with husband, Tom, at her side on January 2, 2026, due to complications from long-term health issues.

Karen was born to parents, Jack and Marjorie Simondet, in Redwood Falls, Minn., on January 26, 1943. From an early age she showed a rather mischievous tendency, according to her parents, but by the time she was in high school that tendency had turned to a lovable bit of spunk which future husband, Tom, found highly attractive, along with her being really smart and very cute. Karen and Tom began their relationship in high school and continued it for more than 65 years, with Karen maintaining her spunk, and Tom continuing to love it and her.

Children were at the center of Karen's universe: first, her own children - Todd (Jeanine), Gretchen (Paul), and Eric (Darci); then her six grandchildren - Kristin (Spenser), Carlie (Thomas), Matthew (Jessica), Jared (Grace), Seth (Lauren), and Dane; and then her three great-grandchildren - Madison, Henry, and Cooper; and finally the many children with special needs that she guided as an educational assistant in special education programs in several Madison public schools for many years. What made Karen so endearing to children (those in her family and those in her schools) were her powerful unspoken messages to them that I really care about you, I will help you, and I will never give up on you.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; and her in-laws, Lem and Harriette Swenson. In addition to her husband, children, and grandchildren, she is survived by her brother, Michael (Marilyn); her nephew, Josh (Amy); her sister-in-law, Paula (Robert) Gorman; several cousins, and many close family friends.

At every opportunity Karen traveled to Door County where Tom often joked that every shopkeeper on the peninsula knew her by name. Scenic walks in Peninsula State Park, long shopping tours, and festive cocktail hours and dinners with friends made life as good as it gets for Karen. At spring break time, however, the sunshine, white sandy beaches, and coral blue ocean drew her like a magnet to Gulf Shores, Ala., or Destin, Fla. And then in the fall, it was Badgers football, including attending at least one out-of-town game at every Big Ten stadium over the years and several conference championship games in Indy.

Karen's time on this earth is over, but her loving, smart, spunky spirit will live on in those who were blessed to have had her in our lives. As granddaughter, Carlie, once wrote to Karen, "I wish every person in the world got to experience what it feels like to have you as a grandma.” Gone in body but never forgotten.

In honor of Karen's request, a private celebration of life will be held with her immediate family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420