Karen S. Johannsen

Karen Sue Johannsen, age 66, passed away at UW Hospital on December 26, 2025.

Karen was born June 3,1959 in Davenport Iowa. Karen and her family moved to Madison in 1960. She was a West High School graduate, class of 1977. She was a very proud Florida Gator, receiving her bachelors degree in Horticulture from University of Florida in 1981. Karen worked for 4 years at a large wholesale tropical plant nursery in Florida. Johannsen’s Greenhouse and Gifts recruited Karen to come back to Madison to work in the family business.

Karen was the face of Johannsen’s Greenhouse and Gifts, happily retiring in 2013 when the business closed.

She filled every room she was in with her positive energy and friendliness.

Karen will be greatly missed by all the people she worked and played with, including the groups: Devils Head Ski Patrol, Oak Bank, Channel 3, Channel 27, to name a few. Many people will remember Karen as the Green Gardener on the local news program.

Karen always had a passion for scuba diving. When she retired she spent more time diving, enjoying many trips to the Caribbean. Over the years she gravitated to the island of Antigua, splitting her time between Antigua and Madison. Karen made many friends wherever she was.

Karen is survived by her siblings Gary Johannsen (Susan Moran) and Lyn Johannsen (Gary Verhalen), and the love of her life Chuck Acker. She is also survived by her four step-siblings Jane, June, Virginia and Charles III. She was preceded in death by her parents Chuck Johannsen, Joy Johannsen and Luverne Flamme.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705. On Saturday, January 24, at the Cress Center, a visitation will be held from 10:30-11:30 am, with a memorial service starting at 11:30 and a luncheon to follow.

For those unable to attend Karen’s service in person, you may register to view the service live stream at the following link:

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=0053eb9e-5db4-4860-9a2f-5c1ce1bdc719

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Karen’s name to Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS).

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Cress Center

6021 University Avenue

Madison, WI 53705