Karen R. Valient

Karen Rose Valient, age 77, of Franklin Park, Illinois and Stoughton, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday December 22, 2025 after a long battle with metastatic melanoma. She passed peacefully with her wife Ann by her side in the home that they shared together in Stoughton.

Karen was born on September 3, 1948, to John and Harriet Valient in Chicago, Illinois and raised in the neighborhood of Pilsin. She was educated and graduated from Saint Procopius High School in Chicago. Karen celebrated her retirement from Vulcan Materials in 2019 after 49 years of employment. She worked in various areas within Vulcan, ending her career as a procurement specialist. Karen was a member of the American Legion Franklin Park Post 974 and the Otis Sampson American Legion Post 59. Karen loved to play volleyball and softball in her young adult life. She was also an avid bowler, participating in many leagues over the years. Karen enjoyed listening to music and loved to dance. Karen was a lover of all animals. Her kitties were loved members of her household. She also enjoyed watching and feeding the birds, squirrels and chipmunks that came to her backyard.

Karen is survived by her wife Ann Milner, sisters Bridget Valient (Mary Viti), June Valient (Wendy Mullins), and Denise Valient (nephew Parker Healey and niece Therese Healey). She is also survived by her 3 stepchildren Audra Dalsoren, Brett Olsonand Mindy Halverson along with their spouses and children.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents John and Harriet.

Karen requested no funeral services. There will be a celebration of life on a future date.

Memorials can be made to Fat Cat Rescue in Illinois, The Heartland Farm Sanctuary in Stoughton or the Dane County Humane Society in Madison.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Vincent Ma at UW Carbone Cancer Center for his dedicated compassionate and skilled care of Karen over the last 5 years. A big thanks to his staff Cassie and Becky as well as all Karen’s infusion nurse for the care that they’ve shown to both Karen and Ann during this time.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

206 W. Prospect, P.O. Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com