Karen Ganje

Madison/Stoughton – Karin (Karen) Ann Ganje passed away suddenly on December 1, 2016, age 73, following many years of illness. Karin will be greatly missed and remembered for her sense of humor, which endured throughout her life.

Karin was born May 11, 1943 in Milwaukee, daughter to Orson and Esther (Moe) Gustafson. Her childhood was spent in Milwaukee and Hudson, cities that she loved. Karin graduated from Milwaukee’s Pulaski High School and married her beloved husband Richard Ganje in 1961. As time progressed, Karin became a mother to four children. The family relocated from Milwaukee to Stoughton in 1970.

During her time raising children, Karin worked several part-time administrative jobs. This included service to Stoughton Hospital, Jackson Clinic, Group Health Cooperative, and MGE.

Karin was a long time member of Christ Lutheran Church, Stoughton, and was active with Jaycette’s, 4-H, and the Humane Society as she raised her family. Karin enjoyed flowers of all kinds, and planted many each year in her yard. Karen loved both dogs and music. She was especially fond of musical artists ABBA and Carly Simon. Upon retirement, Karin and Richard spent a couple years traveling by RV.

Karin moved to Oakwood Village West in 2006 after a series of illnesses. Oakwood proved to be an excellent caring resource for her as her health varied widely.

Karin is survived by her children; Michael of San Jose, CA, Brian of Madison, Jason (Jessica) of Madison, Melissa (Sven) Dahlquist of Glenview, IL, and two grandchildren; Leif and Svea Dahlquist. Karin is further survived by her sister Ora Kettenbeil, lifelong friend Sandra Hilton, and many other friends in Stoughton and at Oakwood Village.

Karin was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband of 42 years, Richard.

A Funeral Service will be held at Oakwood Village University Woods Chapel, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison at 11 a.m., on Thursday, December 8, 2016. Visitation will be held at the chapel from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Oakwood Village University Woods, Tabor Oaks and Hebron Oaks, for the love and care they provided throughout Karin’s residence. Additional gratitude to physician John Ewalt, and the fine staff of the Meriter Unitypoint ER and ICU.

Memorials may be made to the Oakwood Foundation, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705, or the Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Road, Madison, WI 53718.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com