Karen B. Funkhouser

MADISON - Karen B. Funkhouser passed away at age 65 on Friday, March 25, 2016, after a struggle with cancer and multiple chronic conditions. She was born in Chicago and grew up in Muskegon, Mich. She earned a bachelor's degree at Eastern Michigan University and a Ph.D. in special education at UW-Madison. She worked for the Madison Metropolitan School District and UW-Madison during 30 years in education. She loved teaching and working with young students, especially those with severe disabilities. She was a tireless advocate for accommodations for people with disabilities.

Dr. Funkhouser is survived by her son, Jonathan and his wife, Ellyn, of Madison and Yuyao, China, and by her grandchildren, Eddie and Hanna, to whom she was devoted. She followed their development closely, even when they were far away. She was predeceased by her parents, Edmund and Mary Baetzel, and by her former husband, Nicholas Funkhouser.

The family wishes to thank the staff of both Agrace HospiceCare and UW Hospitals, and a special thanks to nurse Lynn G. who was absolutely amazing.

A celebration of her life will be held at CAPITOL LAKES RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, 333 W. Main St., Madison, on Friday, April 1, 2016, between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Please do not send flowers, your thoughts of Karen and fond memories are more than enough.