Karen Marie Sterud, age 80, of Prescott, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Born on August 21, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Harry and Stella (Larson) Schultz, Karen lived a life filled with love, family, and community.

Karen attended Prescott High School and built a fulfilling career in the insurance industry, where her meticulous attention to detail and compassionate nature made her a valued colleague while she worked in purchasing for St. Paul Companies. But it was in her personal life that Karen truly thrived. In what can only be described as a love story for the ages, she met her future husband, David Lee Sterud, while walking past his house in the 5th grade. Though just children at the time, fate would later reconnect them in high school when a playful dare led David to sit on Karen’s lap—and from that moment on, they were inseparable. On June 24, 1966, they were united in marriage at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Prescott, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned nearly six decades.

Together, Karen and David were blessed with three children: Tracy, Brian, and Daniel, who were the pride and joy of her life. Karen was the epitome of love and devotion—an extraordinary wife, mother, and friend. Her kindness was boundless, her heart immeasurably generous. She made every birthday, anniversary, and holiday special, never forgetting an important date and always finding the perfect words to show how much she cared.

Karen had a way of making everyone around her feel valued. Whether through her role as a devoted church volunteer—cleaning, helping in the kitchen, and contributing wherever she was needed—or in the way she constantly asked after others’ well-being, Karen’s concern for others was genuine. She also had a passion for fun and games, playing dominos with her grandchildren or often found playing bingo with her beloved David or enjoying a round of cribbage with her mother.

A shopper at heart, Karen found joy in hunting for treasures and sometimes, even in returning them! But her true treasures were her family. She was an ever-present support, always ready to run errands or help with her grandchildren, whom she adored. Family gatherings, especially during Prescott Daze, were among her most cherished times. She and David also shared a love for travel, exploring much of the world together through David’s work with 3M. Of all the places they visited, France held a special place in their hearts.

Karen’s legacy of love and service lives on in those she leaves behind: her devoted husband of 58 years, David; her children Tracy (Mark) Jennings, Brian (Tina) Sterud, and Daniel (Amy) Sterud; and her grandchildren: Erica, Marcus, Leah, Elisa, Casey, Calihan, and Kelsey. She is also survived by her brother, Jim Schultz (Jesus Fuentes), and many dear friends. Karen was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Harry and Stella.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church: 1061 Orrin Rd, Prescott, WI 54021. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., two hours prior to the service. Following the funeral, Karen will be laid to rest at Pine Glen Cemetery in Prescott.

Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Prescott. For further details, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-262-5404.