Karen Ruby Rengert, 75, of rural Sparta, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in her cherished countryside home.
Born on March 19, 1950, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Herman and Ruby (Johnson) Andersen, Karen’s life was rooted in love, kindness, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of family and nature. After graduating from LaFollette High School, Karen’s adventurous spirit led her to spend time in both Florida and Hawaii, where she discovered not only beautiful places but also the depths of true love.
On October 29, 1976, she married her soulmate, Michael Rengert — the love of her life and partner in all things. Together, they built a life rich in laughter, devotion, and purpose, sharing nearly 50 wonderful years side by side. Their greatest blessings came in the form of three daughters — Jennifer, Katherine, and Deborah — who were the heart of Karen’s world. She poured her boundless love, humor, and wisdom into their lives, teaching by example what it means to live with compassion, strength, and joy.
As the years passed, Karen’s family continued to grow, welcoming not only “bonus children” who were family by heart, but also her adored grandchildren — affectionately known as “The Fab Five”: Danika, Shane, and Riley Verken, and Lillian and Jerry von Falkenstein. Nothing made her happier than cooking with them, nurturing their love of the land, and cheering them on in all their adventures. Her heart overflowed again when she met her first great-grandchild, little Scarlett Rose, with whom she shared her love of music, coloring, and of course, plenty of bubbles.
After returning to Wisconsin in 1977, Karen and Mike ran the Mound Park Store in Viola, where they became a beloved part of the community. Karen later worked for Jenkins and Stittleberg Law Office in La Farge before finding her true calling with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. For 28 years, she served as the Victim Witness Coordinator, offering compassion and courage to those who needed it most. Her gentle presence and deep empathy helped countless people feel seen, safe, and supported — a legacy that will live on in every life she touched.
Karen’s kitchen was center of her home. Her cooking and baking were legendary — every visitor was welcomed with warmth, laughter, and delicious food (and always sent home with a little something extra “for later”). She delighted in gardening, quilting, and creating — especially in the company of her family and friends, who became like family themselves.
Karen is survived by her devoted husband, Michael; her loving daughters, Jennifer Rengert of Soldiers Grove, WI, Katherine Rengert of Sparta, WI, and Deborah von Falkenstein of Hillsboro, WI; her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchild; and many dear relatives and friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Ruby Andersen.
Karen’s legacy is one of warmth, generosity, and unwavering love — a beautiful reminder that the simplest acts of kindness can leave the deepest mark. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
A Memorial Service for Karen will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following foundations close to Karen’s heart. Sojourner’s Journey of Sparta (https://my.simplegive.com/App/Form/3f03a3a4-0c05-48ec-86c5-34037d84c575), The Salvation Army (https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/campaign/676125/donate), or The International Crane Foundation (https://savingcranes.org/donate/).
Torkelson Funeral Home
