Karen Meissen

Meissen, Karen Ellen MADISON-Karen Ellen Meissen, age 50, of Madison, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2009, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and mentor, whose spirit will live on in all those she touched. She was a gift from God on Sept. 28, 1958, in Madison, to Donald and Mary Erickson. Karen married Michael Meissen on July 18, 1981. Karen was educated in the Madison public schools, attending Frank Allis Elementary, Schenk Middle, and Robert M. La Follette Sr. High School, graduating in 1976. She continued her education at UW-Madison with a B. S. degree in secondary education/communicative disorders in 1980 and received her masters degree from UW-Whitewater in communicative disorders in 1984. Karen touched the lives of many students while working as a speech and language clinician at Orfordville, Emerson, Lindbergh, Schenk, Elvehjem, Forest Glen, Ill., and Lowell Elementary Schools. As a lifelong leader of public education, Karen was on UW-Madison Deans List, a member of Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society, 2004 Madison Metropolitan School District Distinguished Service Award nominee (annual award recognizing individuals who have given exceptional service to the district), 2005 La Follette High School Community Service Friend of Education Award (recognizing community service and volunteer support to the school community), and 2005 Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship State Finalist (recognizing teachers who have demonstrated superior ability to inspire love of learning in their students, have motivated others, and have provided meritorious service both inside and outside the classroom). Karen was active in the education experience throughout her own school career, as well as the school experiences of her children. While these were important, her greatest gift was her time shared with her family. She was actively involved in the guidance and mentoring of her children, participating in PTO and booster clubs at her childrens schools, as well as taking a leadership role in religious education at Lake Edge Lutheran Church. Karen was baptized, confirmed and married at Lake Edge Lutheran Church, where she also served as Youth Education Coordinator. Her greatest gift was her love of her family, including her husband, Michael; three children, Kristina, Bradley and Katelyn; parents, Donald and Mary Erickson; a sister, Karla (Will) Ashmore; brother, David (Tracy) Erickson; grandparents, Wayne and Ellen Brown; mother-in-law, Patricia Meissen; father-in-law, Marvin Meissen; brother-in-law, Phillip (Gail) Meissen; sisters-in-law, Theresa (Kyle Mathews) Meissen, Anna (Mike) Brown, and Christina (Mike) Dunn; and many other relatives and friends. Karen was preceded in death by a sister, Kristin; and grandparents, David and Annie Erickson. Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison, at noon on Friday, June 12, 2009, with the Rev. Shirley Funk presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2009. Karens final gift to education was to establish a scholarship fund in her memory to be given annually to a graduating senior at La Follette High School. Her radiant smile, welcoming arms, listening ear, and positive attitude were contagious and will be with us "always and forever." Memorials: Karens final gift to education was to establish a scholarship fund in her memory to be given annually to a graduating senior at La Follette High School. Cemetery: Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation: Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2009. Service: Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison, at noon on Friday, June 12, 2009, with the Rev. Shirley Funk presiding.