June 6, 1937 – January 25, 2020 – (age 82)
Karen Marie Larsen Madsen returned to her heavenly home on January 25, 2020. Karen was born to Hendrick and Evelyn Larsen in Logan, Utah on June 6, 1937. The second of their three children, Karen spent her early life in Logan, until graduating from Utah State University in 1959. She lived in Fairfield, California for nearly 50 years, before returning to Cache Valley in 2007.
Karen met the love of her life, Louis L. Madsen, Jr. when she was only 14 years old. After nearly a decade of courtship, they were married for time and all eternity in the Logan LDS temple in June of 1959. Together they raised six children.
As a young girl Karen developed a deep love of music, and she spent countless hours practicing the piano. Her home was filled with thousands of impromptu concerts as she would accompany her children and anyone else she could encourage to sing. Her joy for playing the piano lasted throughout her life, including in her final years when most other memories had left her. Karen was a gifted seamstress and was known for making many of her own clothes, as well as for her young children. She was a wonderful teacher – first for kindergartners as a newlywed in Seattle, but most prolifically of the gospel. A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Karen held many callings in the Primary, Young Women’s, Seminary and most often Relief Society. She would teach others by sharing sage and simple wisdoms using stories from her own experiences.
At the very core of who she was, Karen was a mother. She dedicated her life to raising and loving her children. Serving as the president of the PTA, volunteering in classrooms, driving to practices, and orchestrating magical Christmas mornings. There was nothing she loved more than being a mother, a grandmother, and spending time with her family.
Karen had a natural ability to nurture and love those around her. She was known for her beautiful and contagious smile and the kind words she shared so often with so many.
Karen was proceeded in death by her beloved husband Louis L. Madsen Jr., her Mother and Father, and sister Patricia Blomquist. She is survived by her children Louis L. III (Tami) Madsen of River Heights, Utah, Cindy (Brent) Frame of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Robert (Cindy) Madsen of Dallas, Texas, Chris (Becky) Madsen of Smithfield, Utah, Patricia (Mike) Henderson of South Jordan, Utah, Emily Madsen of Holladay, Utah, brother Richard (Brenda) Larsen of North Logan Utah, 22 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and her special dog Lucy.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Legacy House of Logan, and especially Madison Conrad and Kristal Wilkes of Integrity Hospice.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 1:00pm, proceeded by a viewing from 11:00am – 12:30pm at the LDS church located at 42 West 200 South in Hyde Park, Utah. Interment at the Logan Cemetery will immediately follow the service.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.allenmortuaries.com