Karen M. Bauer
Karen M. Bauer, age 71 of Menomonie, formerly of Madison, passed away on Thursday July 20, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Menomonie.
Karen was born September 11, 1951, in Menomonie. She was the daughter of Eugene and Virginia (Stoll) Skjegstad. Karen graduated from Menomonie High School in 1969 and from UW Stout with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Karen married Richard Bauer, August 21, 1976, in Menomonie. After marriage they made their home in Madison where Karen owned and operated Discovery Years Pre-School for several years. Karen developed and started the 4-K education program at St. Dennis School in Madison and taught there until she retired.
Karen was an active member of St. Dennis Parish. She sang in the church choir; helped care for the gardens at church and volunteered at the parish festivals. Karen loved to spend time with her grandchildren.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth, five grandchildren, Keiya, Tayvian, Zoe, Caleb and Josiah and great granddaughter, Zehlani; her parents, Eugene and Virginia Skjegstad; one brother, Steven (Gigi) Skjegstad, two sisters, Sandra (Larry) Hamler, Linda (Niles) Van Blaricom and several nephews. Karen is preceded in death by her husband Richard in 2012.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Friday July 28, 2023, at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie with Rev. John Mano officiating. Burial will be at Highland Memorial Gardens in Madison at a later date.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Friday.