MIDDLETON - It is difficult to summarize the life of someone like Karl. He traveled many places, met many people, studied physics, philosophy, and theology, and taught himself programming. He was fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, English, German, and French and played the oboe and recorder.

Karl (Kai) Fung Chien entered the world in Tokyo, Japan in 1955, and his family later moved to Hong Kong where he attended Diocesan Boys’ School. In 1973, he entered Pomona College in California, earning his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1977. From there, Karl received his masters’ degree in philosophical theology at Harvard Divinity School. He pursued a Ph.D. degree at Vanderbilt University, completing all but the last chapter of his dissertation.

At Harvard, Karl met the woman who would become his bride, Betty J. Darr (AKA Pia), and they wed in Nashville, TN in August 1980. Together, they built a lasting, loving marriage of 45 years. Four children completed their family, Letha Catherine (Chung-ming), Edward James (Chung-di) and his wife, Andria, Katya (Chung-ting), and John Joseph (Chung-han). In his last few years, Karl and his wife were also blessed with two grandsons, Isai Vidal (Nai-shu), and Kai Andres (Nai-kai).

While he was accomplished in many ways, most notably Karl truly lived according to his values and his principles. When he was confronted by those who wanted him to compromise, he never did. In fact, he left jobs and positions if they insisted that he violate what he knew was right. Karl was a man of honor.

He dearly loved his wife with his whole heart. He never raised his voice, even when they disagreed. Karl would surprise her, on occasion, with unique and thoughtful gifts that he knew would delight her. He loved her from the moment he met her, and Karl honored his vows all the days of his life.

Although he never intended to convert to Catholicism, Karl entered Holy Mother Church on February 5, 2004, as he was persuaded by the Truth of her teachings. His convictions were placed on his heart after careful study, much discussion with patient priests, and intimate prayer with Our Lord.

In 2020, Karl was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. He did not know this at the time, but he was given less than ten years to live. Gradually, he lost the ability to drive, to read, and to write. Then, he struggled with daily life skills and tasks. His special and patient caretaker, Chris, became his good friend, and Ellie, his dog, stayed loyally by his side. As Karl continued to fade away, he was lovingly cared for by his wife, Agrace Hospice, and The Legacy of DeForest. He received The Last Rites and other blessings from Fr. Dean and Fr. Navarro. Karl’s soul departed this world on the morning of February 4, 2026.

Karl is survived by his wife, his children and grandchildren, his brother, Raymond Ch’ien; and his sister, May C. Ho.

A visitation will be held at ST. THERESE CHAPEL, 6039 Baltes Road, Waunakee, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026. A graveside service will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 2705 Regent St., Madison, on Monday, after which a luncheon will be held at Imperial Garden, 2039 Allen Blvd., Middleton.

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

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Karl Fung Chien

May 25, 1955 - February 04, 2026

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