Karen A. Bernard, age 84, of Janesville, died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at her home. She was born in Evanston, IL, on June 19, 1940, the daughter of Gene and Claretta (Hutchings) Christensen. She received her RN Degree through St. Anthony in Rockford and then went on to attain her BSN from Alverno College in Milwaukee. She received her Masters degree in Nursing from NIU in DeKalb. Karen married Alfred Bernard on June 22, 1990. She was employed in nursing for various places over her career. She retired from Beloit Health Systems. Karen volunteered for Health Net and also Rotary Gardens. She was an active member at Christ Presbyterian Church, and also belonged to the Integrity Investment Club and a monthly book club. She enjoyed performing with a local Dulcimer group, and quilting, but her greatest love was watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities.

She is survived by her husband, Alfred; 3 children: Kevin (Deb) Kiekhafer, Kurt (Kelli) Kiekhafer, and Kathleen (Ronald) Woodman; 5 grandchildren: Joseph (Emily) , Zachary, Elizabeth Woodman, and Kailey and Kloe Kiekhafer; great grandson, Maxen; 2 step children, Steven (Nita) Bernard and Victoria Grobis; 2 step grandchildren, Katharyn (Blair) and Nicholas; a step great grandson, Gabriel; brother, Andrew (Barbara) Christensen; 2 sisters, Jeanine Johnson and Nancy Page; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, John Page; and step son-in-law, Tom Grobis.

A Visitation will take place on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 3625 Skyview Dr. Janesville. Memorial services will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Kim Kuhfuss officiating. Burial will be in the Northern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Spooner. Memorials in Karen’s name can be made to Christ Presbyterian Church or Health Net. The APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME, Janesville is assisting the family. For online condolences: www.apfelwolfe.com