Karen Erickson

Karen Erickson

December 26, 1959 - June 04, 2026

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Obituary

MADISON - Karen Lyn (Clark) Erickson, age 66, of Madison, passed away peacefully at home with her daughters by her side on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Madison, Wis.


Karen was born on December 26, 1959, in Milwaukee, Wis., to James Clark and Phyllis (Steinhofer) Clark. Karen grew up in Monona, Wisconsin and graduated Monona Grove High School in 1978. She went on to attend Madison Business College. On April 28th, 1989, she married the love of her life Paul Erickson and together they raised two daughters, Staci and Ashly.


Karen’s career began at the University Book Store. She was a payroll benefits manager at Tellurian for 25 years. After her retirement from Tellurian, she found a second career at Operation Fresh Start as the self described “lunch lady”. There she truly enjoyed getting to know all the participants and learning about their lives.


In her free time, Karen loved doing diamond art and paint by number and she enjoyed gifting her artwork to family and friends. Karen was also famous among family and friends for her love of brightly colored summer dresses and being barefoot whenever possible.

 

Karen is survived by her daughters, Staci Erickson and Ashly Erickson (Eric Koskovitch); mother, Phyllis Clark; sister, Cathy (Scott) Hamilton; brother, Mike (Marcy) Clark; mother-in-law, Jo Erickson; numerous nieces and nephews, including her niece and nephew Becca and Matt (Jen) Hamilton, with whom she shared a special bond.


She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; father, James Clark; stepfather, Ken Kitowski; father-in-law, Gordy Erickson; her sister-in-law Debbie Erickson; and nephew Travis Erickson.


Finally, the family would like to extend a thank you to the entire hospice staff at Agrace HospiceCare, especially Karen’s nurse, Mallory, for their compassionate care of Karen.


A celebration of life will be held at BREAKWATER, 6308 Inland Way, Monona, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

 

In honor of Karen, the family would love guests to wear their favorite summer dress or bright colors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice Care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

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


Events

15
Celebration of Life
Sat Aug 15, 2026 @ 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Breakwater • 6308 Inland Way, Monona, WI 53716
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Karen
AE
A Memorial Tree was planted for Karen Lyn (Clark) Erickson
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
AD
Alice Derra
Other •
Karen caught up with me after, oh maybe 40 years after graduation from MG. She was my kitty-corner neighbor. She contacted me and we met at her house after her husband passed. At her request we went a Social Security/Medicare learning group together at Buck and Honeys. So many years had passed, but we still had bonds. I miss you, Karen.
PV
Pha Vang
Other •
I miss Karen. She always made my day better. Every. Single. Day. I remember our conversations. Silly conversations. Serious conversations. I remember we always looked after one another. She would know if I was having a rough day and just ask if she could just give me a hug. She made sure everyone was taken care of. Many times she would go out of her way to make sure. Some people come into our lives as blessings. Karen was undoubtedly one of those people. She was more than "the lunch lady." She was family. Once OFS, always OFS. I miss you, Karen.
JD
Janet duberry
Other •
Karen was a friend for many years and it seems impossible that she is gone. She was a wonderful caring supportive friend. When I moved out of Wisconsin we didnt spesk or see each other too often but it was always so wonderful to catch up. You will be missed dear friend.
KB
Kent Berton
Other •
Karen and I kept in touch after leaving Tellurian. She was a loyal soldier, always kind to the staff and clients. She was lost without her Paul, it seemed. And when she shared her destiny, I understood and wished her well on what I knew would be difficult path. Rest in peace, dear friend, and go find your Paul.

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