Karen Anne Thomas, age 78, of Monroe passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025 at SSM Health Monroe Hospital. She was born the daughter of Murrel and Olive (Simon) Lundgren on July 30, 1946 in Superior, WI. Karen was a 1963 graduate of Superior East High School. In 1967, she earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing from The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN; she continued her education and received her Master’s Degree in Nursing from UW-Madison in 1976. Karen was united in marriage to Roy J Thomas on August 5, 1967 in Superior.

Karen spent her working career as a Registered Nurse and Nurse Administrator for 30 years, retiring in 2001. She also volunteered her time serving on the United Way Board of Directors. She was a member of the Wisconsin Organization of Nurse Executives and St. Victor’s Catholic Church at St. Clare of Assisi Parish. In her free time, she enjoyed wood carving and quilting.

Karen is survived by her husband of nearly 58 years, Roy of Monroe; children, Sean (Alexandra) Thomas of Middleton and Tara (Mark) Schluesche of Sun Prairie; grandchildren, Isaac and Jonathan Schluesche and Sam and Josephine Thomas; and her brother, Lawrence (Dorothy) Lundgren of Barron, WI.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and three siblings, William Lundgren, Phyllis Banks, and Kenneth Lundgren.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2PM on Friday, June 27, 2025 at St. Victor’s Catholic Church with Father Dave Carrano as celebrant.

Visitation will be held on Friday, at the church, from 12PM noon until the time of service.

Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net.