Karen T. Paulson

Carl & Inga Paulson were proud parents when Karen was born Jan 2, 1953. She joined her brother, Virgil, where they grew up on the family owned farm.  Karen passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024 while residing at Skaalen Home in Stoughton, Wisconsin.

Karen attended West Koshkonong Country School until the 4th grade, then bussed to Stoughton to attend Kegonsa Elementary. She graduated in 1971 from Stoughton Senior High where she was co-editor of the Yahara Yearbook. She attended UW-Madison for a year, then transferred to UW-Eau Claire where she majored in journalism. It was there her love of writing was put to good use. Karen was an avid writer and photographer during her college career having several photos published at UW-Eau Claire. She graduated with a degree in journalism in 1977 and landed her first journalism job with the Oconto County Reporter. That job did not serve Karen well, so she moved back to Madison and worked for the Dean of the UW-Madison School of Medicine, recruiting new physicians to small communities in Wisconsin.

She wanted more, so returned to UW-Eau Claire and obtained her teaching degree to begin her favorite career as a high school English teacher. She started her career in Harvard, IL. From there she went to Westfield High School and taught a variety of English courses. Her students loved her wit and ability to make English a favorite subject. Students awarded her with “Teacher of the Year” during her career. Karen remained at Westfield until her retirement.

Karen was proud of her Swedish and Norwegian heritage and traveled to Norway with her mom and friend Mary, and always displayed the Norwegian flag on her license plate. She was a passionate reader and had a remarkable memory for facts about the many people she encountered. She was a movie goer, animal lover, jewelry and card maker, wonderful baker, and music lover. (Alan Jackson, John Denver & the Beatles were her favorite). She also enjoyed traveling throughout the US with her mom and friends. Her faith was very important to her and West Koshkonong was her beloved home church.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Carl & Inga Paulson and several aunts & uncles.

She is survived by her brother, Virgil (Holly) Paulson, Nieces, Lesley (Brad) Halverson & Jamie (Greg) Kent. She has 5 great nieces & nephews: Halley, Kyley & Riley Halverson and Charlie & Chase Kent, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Karen’s family would like to thank the staff at Garden Glen of Skaalen Nursing Home and Agrace Hospice who were there with her during her final days.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 21, 2024 at West Koshkonong Church, 1911 Koshkonong Rd., Stoughton, WI 53589. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the time of services.

Memorials can be given in Karen’s name to Agrace Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 &/or Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Rd. Madison, WI 53718.