Karen L. Jelinek (Bedward)
July 24, 1946 - August 15, 2020
Obituary
MADISON- Karen L. Jelinek (Bedward), age 74, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, at home with her loved ones, after battling health issues. She was born on July 24, 1946, in Prairie du Chien, the daughter of Richard and Mildred (Seely) Bedward. Karen graduated from West Grant High School in Patch Grove, Wis., in 1964. She was united in marriage to Edmund “Jim” Jelinek, Jr. on June 5, 1965.
Karen worked at the Dodgeville Bank prior to the birth of her first son. While raising her family, she ran an in-home childcare from 1976 until retiring in 2011, when her youngest grandchild started 4K. Karen also volunteered with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts when her children were younger.
She often shared her fond memories growing up on the family farm, especially working with the calves. Karen enjoyed knitting, embroidery, sewing, camping, reading and cross word puzzles. She lovingly assembled flowers for several family weddings, anniversaries and special events. Her favorite activity was spending time with her family and loved ones. Whether it was playing board games on a holiday or enjoying a campfire. Karen had a lovely sense of humor that made people feel welcomed.
Karen is survived by her husband of 55 years, Edmund “Jim” Jelinek, Jr.; their children, Jim (Tammy) Jelinek of Fort Atkinson, Todd Jelinek of Fort Atkinson, Michael (Melissa) Jelinek of Madison and Becky (Steven) Koch of DeForest; as well as her beloved grandchildren, Alyssa, Theodore and Bryan. She is further survived by her brother, Lloyd (Joanne) Bedward of Prairie du Chien; sister, Bernice (Ivan) Norton of Madison; sister-in-law, Rocile Bedward; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Roger Bedward and Lyle (Margaret) Bedward; and sister, Janice (Ed) Mell.
A private family service will be held. Friends and family who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Karen’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on Watch Webcast link at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. Karen will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare in Karen’s memory.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Agrace HospiceCare for their loving care and support. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
CM
Colleen Munz
Other •
So sorry Lyle for your loss may she RIP
Colleen and Dennis Munz
MB
Mary Ellen Bakken
Other •
My deepest sympathy to the Jelinek family on the passing of Karen. I had the pleasure of knowing Karen for many years as her children attended Glendale Elementary School, just down from their home on Tompkins Drive. From the first day as she dropped off Jimmy, very nervously, to my classroom, she became a parent who I could count on for support and involvement for many years. As Todd and Mike came through my classroom door also, there was Karen smiling and asking what could their family do to make my school year better. She loved her family deeply and all the children whose lives she nurtured at her home daycare. Her quiet manner was appreciated by so many people, especially me.
Love and Prayers,
Mary Ellen (O’Connor) Bakken
RH
Rosetta E Hockett
Other •
So sorry for you loss, Steve, Becky & family .
Miss you and love you.
Rosetta (Koch) Hockett
PR
Patricia A. Rentschler
Other •
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Jim and his wonderful family. We were blessed to have Karen as our childcare provider when our children were younger. She had such a kind demeanor and they loved being dropped off at her house each day. We never worried about them when they were in her care. Karen went out of her way to accommodate our schedules and we will be forever grateful for her kindness . May her memory be a blessing.
With much love and appreciation~
Doug and Pat Rentschler
SS
Steve Sheski
Other •
I shall always remember sharing a smile, friendly greeting and enthusiastic wave as Karen and Jim would walk through the neighborhood or stop over to check on things at their son's house across the street. Her earthly pain and suffering are no more; her spirit is free to return to the "original neighborhood" where her soul will live on forever. With deep sympathy and God's blessings to the entire family, Steve Sheski