Karen M. (nee Rovik) Larsen
February 25, 1943 - May 26, 2025
Karen M. Larsen (nee Rovik), Beloved Child of God, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025, surrounded by her family at the age of 82.
Karen was born on February 25, 1943, in Kenosha to the late Sigurd and Olive Rovik. She grew up in Kenosha with five older brothers, took piano lessons and graduated from Bradford High School. She was a member of St. Mary's Lutheran Church her entire life, and met David Larsen at a Bible study. They were wed in 1962 and married for 60 years at the time of David's passing. As a mom, Karen devoted much of her time to shuttling her kids to many activities and never missed a concert, recital, field drill or other musical activity. She and Dave received an outstanding service award from the Kenosha Band Boosters. She also volunteered at St. Mary's as a teacher, usher, hand bell ringer and in many other capacities. Karen worked for many years as a legal secretary and later a dedicated employee at Marshall's.
She is survived by her four children, Kevin (Jackie) Larsen, Erik (Wendy) Larsen, Dana Larsen and Erin (Rich) Preston. She is also survived by grandchildren, Adam, Nathan, Loren (Austin), Nicholas, Ryan (Taylor), Elsa and Riley; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Remmi, Sulli, Murphy and Gordie.
She was preceded in death by her husband David; and brothers, Donald, Alvin, Lowell, Paul and David; and in-laws, Bette, Jean, Delores, and Carol.
The family would like to thank the awesome staff at Brookside Care Center for their kind and compassionate care in her last years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Mary's Lutheran Church, 2001 80th Street, on Saturday, July 19, with visitation at 10, service at 11 and luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Mary's Lutheran Church.
Henry Hartnek
Sorry to hear of yet another classmate's passing. My sincere condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.
John Sturino
Sorry to hear of Karen's mpassing. She was in my homeroom at Bradford, such a sweet girl, my condolences to the family.
Thomas Sorensen
I first encountered Karen in kindergarten at Columbus, her backyard shared a boundary with the Columbus playground. We also began Sunday school together at St Mary's Lutheran church, and progressed through to confirmation class with many others, including Gail Hansen, Nancy Walton, Tom Geary, Chris Christiansen, Carol Nielsen and many others. I remember Karen was the first girl I kissed, In kindergarten I , ran by her at almost full speed and kissed her on her left cheek and kept running. It was a little joke between us that was still alive at the 50th reunion. All the way through graduation at Bradford I recall her as being sure of herself, quietly stylish and with a thoughtful sense of humor that never included painting others in a bad light. Her authenticity was such a natural part of her being. I remember her older brothers well, all yellow blonde men with crew cuts, strong and athletic types who commanded respect. I was always a better person in Karen's presence.
Nancy Walton (Julien)
Well said Tom. That is just how I remembered Karen. But I didn't Kiss her in kindergarten :). St Mary's Lutheran Church was a Big part of all of our lives with Pastor Seiersberg. RIP Karen