Karen A. Cowan

Madison-Karen A. Cowan, age 67, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at Middleton Village Nursing Home. She was born on Nov. 28, 1944, in Madison, the daughter of Richard and Selma (Wick) Hemberger. She graduated from East High School. Karen was employed at Central Wisconsin Center (formally known as “Central Colony”), for more than 20 years until her retirement in 1994. She enjoyed arts and crafts, loved cooking, gardening, camping, and spending time with family and friends.

Grandchildren were the love of her life. She is survived by her children; Rick (Mary) Cowan of North Carolina, Robert (Heidi) DeFazio of Arizona and Regan (Missy) Cowan of Madison; two stepchildren, John (Kerri) Cowan of Madison and Phil Cowan of Stoughton; two grandchildren, Grant and Emily Cowan; a step-grandchild, Cristopher Cowan; siblings, Elmer Engeseth of DeForest, Richard (Jane) Hemberger of Prairie Du Sac, Wesley (Mary) Hemberger of Middleton and Gayle (Gilbert) Hemberger-Lee of Deerfield; special nephew, Jacob Lee; many nieces and nephews; along with many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; step-daughter, Debra Cowan; step-grandchild, Johnny Cowan; brother, John Hemberger; and sister-in-law, Sherry Hemberger.

Funeral Services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, with Agrace HospiceCare Chaplain Steve Zwettler presiding. Burial will be held at Norway Grove Memorial Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, and also from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Agrace HospiceCare.

Family would like to thank Middleton Village Nursing Home and Agrace HospiceCare staff for the loving care that they gave.