Karen Heried

Karen Heried, age 80, of Viroqua passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. She was born on July 31, 1943, to the late Iris Ostrum. As a young girl, Karen’s family moved around as they farmed until she ended up settling in the Readstown area.

A friend of Karen’s introduced her to her future husband, Gary Heried. Karen and Gary married on January 27, 1957, and moved to Spart where they started their family. After a few years, the family moved to Monroe, where they lived until 1997, when they moved to the Viroqua area.

Karen and Gary enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables and fruits together, which they sold at the farmer’s market in Viroqua. Most of Karen’s life, she raised her own three children and 56 foster children, which she took great pride in providing a safe and warm home to those children who needed someone. When it was warm outside, the couple would take their foster children out fishing and on the boat, treating them as if they were their own. Karen was a 4H Leader with Gary for about seven years in Richland County.

Where there was spare time in her busy life, Karen and Gary would travel to country music concerts in La Crosse and Nashville, TN to the Grand Ol’pre. Karen was especially passionate about the land and home her family had built together to make it their paradise.

Karen had a loving soul that allowed her to help anyone in need, whether it was knitting for someone or showing a small gratitude by her small crafts.

Karen is survived by her son, Shane Heried; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Steven; sisters, Sue and Kim; 52 foster children; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gary; her daughter, Gerri Lynn; her son, Jeffery; and her siblings: Kenny, Jimmy, Greg, Barb, and Betty.

At this time, a celebration of life will be held at a later date for Karen.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home & Crematory in Viroqua is serving Karen's family.

123 W. Decker Street

Viroqua, WI 54665

(608) 637-2100