Karen Gander

Karen Gander, age 71, of Soldiers Grove, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, September 10, 2021. She was born September 4, 1950, to the late Lyall and Ruth (Turk) Martin. Karen attended many schools for her education, but graduated from Boscobel High School in 1968. After graduating high school, Karen moved to Stoughton, WI, to work at a shoe factory. After working at the shoe factory, she moved back to Boscobel to work for Advanced Transformer. While she was living and working in Boscobel, she fell in love with Wayne Gander. Karen and Wayne got married on August 8, 1970. Karen and Wayne then moved to the family farm, where they lived and worked on the farm full-time; with Karen working part-time at the apple orchards. While living on the farm, they were blessed with four wonderful children: Wayne Jr., Troy, Daniel, and Sara. In 1992, the family farm was sold, and they moved to Soldiers Grove, where they still call home. Karen loved spending time with her grandchildren, family, and friends. She was a devoted Christian and attended North Clayton United Methodist Church. She was passionate about nature; especially her love for gardening, wildflowers, watching and feeding birds. Karen was an avid Packer fan since the Lombardi days, never missing a game. She was able to attend two games and even has the memorabilia to prove it. Karen enjoyed her times when her and Wayne would take rides out to Cashton to see and experience the Amish, developing friendships with some of them. She was also known for her love of baking, wanting to bake for everyone. Karen was known for her peanut butter balls and fudge, along with her homemade jams. Karen was also known for how generous and giving she was, even through the tough times. She made sure other people’s needs came before hers. Karen is survived by her husband of 51 years, Wayne; her three children: Troy (Jen) Gander of Wonewoc, WI, Daniel (Krystal) Gander of West Salem, WI, and Sara (Chad) Helligso of McKenna, WA; 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; siblings: Gary (Donna Beckwith) Martin, Rodney (Linda) Martin, Linda Bray, Terry (Dana) Martin, Lyall Jr. (Janet) Martin, and Cheryl (Ron) Hanson; and many other in-laws, relatives, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; her infant son, Wayne Jr.; grandson, Hunter Helligso; infant sister, Lila; sister, Leora Ames; brothers, Robert, Ronald, and Harland; and one brother-in-law, Roger. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., at North Clayton United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Clayton United Methodist Church in Karen’s name. Karen’s family would like to thank Soldiers Grove Health Services for their wonderful compassion and North Clayton United Methodist Church for their support. Vosseteig Funeral Home of Gays Mills is serving Karen's family. 325 Sunset Ridge Avenue Gays Mills, WI 54631 (608) 735-2100