Karen Stampen

WAUNAKEE - Karen Ann (Knoche) Stampen passed away peacefully in the early morning of April 22, 2026.

Karen was born in Madison, Wis., on March 25, 1940, the daughter of Roland Knoche and Emily (Zarndt) Knoche. She graduated from UW-Madison where she first met her future husband, Jacob "Jay" Stampen, with whom she embarked on a life of adventure including touring the Mediterranean with naval wives while their husbands were at sea, living/working in the Philippines, Norway and Washington D.C. and exploring many interesting travel destinations. Karen and Jay were married in June of 1963 and celebrated 62 wedding anniversaries together.  

Karen worked for the State of Wisconsin while her husband pursued graduate studies. Karen took time off from work to raise her children before jumping back into the business world after passing the CPA exam. She worked in public accounting and was among the first wave of women business trailblazers and held leadership positions in finance/accounting at CUNA Mutual before retiring in 2003.  

Karen was the proud mom of Kristine (Robert) Burck and John (Pam) Stampen, and grandmother of Jake, Tucker, Anders and Jason. She never missed an event for her children or grandchildren and even travelled cross country to see them perform. Karen was an avid and talented gardener and cook and was an entertainer extraordinaire. Nobody ever left hungry from a gathering hosted by Karen. Karen also treasured spending time with lifelong friends, continuing with her coffee group as recently as last week. Karen didn’t miss much in life. She was curious, intelligent and possessed a sharp mind. She cared deeply for her family and friends and did everything she could to help us be successful in life. We all thank her for this. She will be missed.

In addition to her loving husband, children and grandchildren she is survived by her sister, Bonnie Haugen; brother, Randy (Lisa) Knoche; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Karen will be held at ST. LUKE’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Memorial donations may be made to Way Forward, Lutheran World Relief or Agrace HospiceCare. The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the supportive care that our mom received from Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761