Obituaries

Karen Louise Walter

4/4/41 – 12/9/20

At home, surrounded by flowers, Christmas decorations and her family, Karen Walter lost her battle with cancer.

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 56 years, Michael Walter, son Lance Walter, daughter-in-law Sue Sabatke and 3 grandchildren (Sydney, Mason and Brooke). Her youngest son, Travis Walter proceeded her, passing in April 2020.

Karen, the second oldest of ten Brewster children, was born in Turtle Lake, WI. She spent most of her childhood in Afton, MN, where the Brewster’s were well known. Growing up in an old, crowded, three bedroom house she learned early on how to make do with what you had. Her dad, Jack, had a greenhouse and growing up around that led to a lifelong interest and talent with flowers and gardens.

She met and married Mike in 1966 and spent some of the early years of the marriage managing the household with two young kids while Mike was oversees in the Navy. She continued to be the glue that held the family together, including through repeated moves across the US. Everything was always organized, clean and in its proper place.

She and Mike raised two great kids. They gave them a fantastic childhood filled with love, adventure and support. After the kids were gone, she and Mike relocated several times due to Mike’s work leaving Minnesota for stints in California (San Francisco and Orange) and Chicago.

For the past 20 years she and Mike have made Madison, WI their home and enjoyed spending time with their son, his wife and their local grandkids Sydney and Mason.

Those who were lucky enough to know Karen always found a warm greeting and a willingness to talk your ear off, a Brewster family trait for sure. A visit to grandma’s house probably included cookies and a lot of love, unless it was a football Sunday and you were interrupting the game.

She was an active gardener, right up through the end of this summer and her yard looked ready for the cover of Better Homes and Gardens all of the time. She always knew how she wanted things done and you could expect to hear about it if you failed to meet her high standards.

We mourn the loss of Karen today, but will always see her face in the blooming flowers and hear her voice in the wings of humming birds.

Godspeed. Heaven just got a little more beautiful with you there to tend to the garden.

We will always love you.

Condolences for Mike, Lance, Sue, Sydney and Mason can be directed to 3609 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257