Karen M. Hansen

Karen M. Hansen, 51, of La Crosse, died on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the Bethany St. Joseph Care Center. She was born on December 7, 1965 in Cadillac, MI to Edward and Carol (Pengra) Hansen.

Karen was a gift to all of us.   She was always a loving, compassionate, kind, giving and caring person.  Her priority in life was sharing her love with family and friends.

She believed that family came first.  Her mother, Carol, was the most important person in her life. Their time together was precious. They enjoyed telling stories of the adventures they had together.  She also loved her brother Craig, father Ed, and dear friend, Jim.

Karen enjoyed family reunions where cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents gathered to celebrate each other.  She had a special gift of remembering family member’s birthdays and anniversaries.  She made sure everyone knew how important their lives were to her. Children in the family were always remembered with educational gifts because she believed learning was so important.

Karen’s family appreciates the many friendships she made throughout the years.  She enjoyed sitting outside with friends and catching up on the news of the day.  Her family appreciates the visits many friends made to the hospital and nursing home to see Karen.  The visits always made her day.  Your kindness will be remembered.

Finally, the family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Gundersen Health System, St. Joseph Care Center, and other healthcare providers along the way.  You reached out and cared for Karen in unique and special ways.  Her life was better because so many of you put in the extra effort to get to know her and appreciate her desire to live life to the fullest.  Your gifts of caring are so appreciated.

Karen is survived by her mother Carol Hansen and friend Jim Wick of La Crosse, her father Ed (Vangie) Hansen of Minnesota, a brother Craig of Rhinelander, and many cousins.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 12:00 Noon at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse. Pastor R. Kent Cormack will officiate. Private family burial will take place at a later date in the Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of services.