Karen Ann (Gress) Madison, age 64, of Sidney, IA passed away at Hillcrest Health Center, Bellevue, NE on May 7, 2019 after a brave battle with MSA (Multiple System Atrophy). Karen was born to Henry and Verna (Damme) Gress on November 19, 1954 in Nebraska City, NE where she attended Lourdes Central Catholic School. After high school, Karen enrolled at Peru State College, Peru, NE where she met Duane Madison and received her Bachelor of Science degree. She continued her education adding a degree in home economics from Wayne State College, Wayne, NE. Duane and Karen were married at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Nebraska City on August 5, 1978. They started their first home in Bern, Kansas where Karen began her teaching career as a home economics teacher. They moved to Fremont, Nebraska for two years and then to Duane’s grandmother’s farm house near Randolph, Iowa where Duane began farming. Karen devoted her life as a loving care giver to their son, Brian, until his passing after a long illness. In 1991, Karen and Duane adopted baby Kyle. Karen loved her time as a stay-at-home mother for several years, but eventually decided to return to her passion of teaching. She returned to Peru State College and earned an elementary endorsement in teaching. For a while, Karen was a substitute teacher, but eventually she was hired as a second grade teacher at Fremont-Mills Public School where she taught for 13 years. Declining health forced her to retire in 2017.

Karen had an active faith life and was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where she held several offices in the altar society. She was a member of the Fremont-Mills Education Association, the Iowa State Education Association and the Iowa Reading Association. Her hobbies included reading, gardening, sewing and nutrition. Karen was an exceptional seamstress who made many of Duane’s shirts and her own clothing. Teachers sought her wisdom and creativity in the classroom and she will be missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by son, Brian Madison and father, Henry Gress. Karen is survived by her loving husband, Duane Madison of Sidney, IA and son, Kyle Madison of Nebraska City, NE; mother, Verna Gress of Nebraska City; sisters, Kathy Martin of Lincoln, NE, Donna Gress of Chicago; brother Dean (Susan ) Gress of Lincoln; in-laws, Larry & Mary Lou Crom of Sidney, IA, Roger & Linda Behrns of Louisville, NE; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many caring friends.

Memorial Mass will be 10:30 AM Saturday, May 11, 2019 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Imogene, IA with Fr. Lazarus Kirigia officiating. Visitations will be with the family from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday at the Church with Rosary at 7:00 PM. Interment of ashes will be in the Tabor, IA Cemetery and memorials will go to St. Patrick Catholic Church. The Crawford-Marshall Funeral Chapel in Tabor, IA is in charge of arrangements.

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