Karen A. Dosch

Stoughton/McFarland- Karen A. Dosch, age 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Heritage Center in Skaalen Nursing Home. She was born on May 8, 1945, the daughter of Fredrick and Myrtle Hanson. 

Karen graduated from Madison West High School class of 1963 and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Madison. While at UW she enjoyed campus life and working in the information booth at the Union. Karen enjoyed telling the story of being trapped in the booth while it filled with tear gas during the Vietnam protests. While grocery shopping at Millin’s Grocery Store on Monroe Street, she met the love of her life, Lawrence Dosch. On September 24, 1966 they were united in marriage at First Congregational UCC in Madison. Together they enjoyed travelling, camping, playing cards(especially euchre), and spending time with family and friends. 

Karen enjoyed a successful career with Tupperware for 36 years gaining friends and family members along the way. Karen worked hard and enjoyed breaking records each year which provided opportunities for her and her family to travel. One trip was to Hawaii where she and Larry celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and there were countless trips to Florida with their daughters. 

Karen enjoyed spending hours shopping, craft fairs, antiquing, gardening, cooking and baking. She was an excellent hostess and loved entertaining family and friends, especially for the holidays including extravagant Halloween parties. Karen enjoyed garage sales and was always on the hunt for unique items, and toys for her grandsons. She was an excellent seamstress and made many handcrafted items including draperies and matching outfits for her daughters.

Karen and Larry enjoyed spending time at their camper at Indian Trails Campground in Pardeeville, talking with neighbors and making new friends, being outdoors, participating in activities, and keeping the campfire hot and ready for good food and laughter.

Karen was a dedicated member of McFarland UCC being active in ladies aid and even taught Sunday school on occasion.

Karen will be missed by all who knew her. She is lovingly survived by two daughters, Jessica Pharo and Amanda (Corey) Mackey; five grandsons, Riley, Oliver and Colby Pharo and Kale and Liam Mackey; cousin, Howard (Harriet) Hanson and family; many extended family members; and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents;and husband of 50 years, Larry.

A Celebration of Karen's life will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at McFarland United Church of Christ, 5710 Anthony Street, McFarland. Friends may greet the family from 1:00 PM until the time of services Sunday at church. 

Memorials may be made to McFarland UCC, Stoughton Hospital Foundation, or Agrace HospiceCare Inc.

Special thank you to the staff of Skaalen Nursing and Rehabilitation, especially Heritage Center 1st floor and to all the ladies who shared meal time with Karen, and to Agrace HospiceCare Inc. 

Please share your memories of Karen by posting in her Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Service 

206 W. Prospect Street, PO Box 231, Stoughton 

(608) 873-9244