Karen Madsen

NEW UNDERWOOD Karen Marie Madsen, 74, formerlly of Huron, passed away on Nov. 3, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Center in New Underwood.
Rosary will be at 9:15 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, followed by her funeral Mass at 10 a.m., all at St. Johns Catholic Church in New Underwood. Burial will be in the New Underwood Cemetery, followed by a luncheon in the church hall.
Karen Marie Madsen was born Dec. 9, 1949, in Rapid city to Everett and Irene Schabot Madsen. She grew up on a farm/ranch in rural Meade County, north of New Underwood. She received her elementary education in a one-room school, Lone Star School, near her familys home.
Miss Madsen graduated from New Underwood High School in 1968 and from South Dakota State University, Brookings, in 1972 with Bachelorss of Science degree in home economics and journalism. She was employed as a Family Scene Editor by Yankton Daily Press and Dakotan for five years and as Family Living Editor for the Huron Daily Plainsman for 15 years.
Miss Madsen worked as a Family and Consumer Sciences educator for SDSU Cooperative Extension Service in Todd and Mellette counties for 11 years. She had worked as a para professional for Todd County Middle School in Mission for seven years. She also served as coordinator of Todd County Fair for four years.
Miss Madsen was active in professional and community organizations throughout her life. She was awarded for her journalism and many leadership roles. One of her proudest achievements was her pilot license and being presented the Civil Air Patrol 1982 Public Affairs Officer of the Year.
She is survived by two sisters, Kathi (Curt) Betcher of Rapid City, Connie (Wilbur) Sanchez of Lakewood, Colo.; one brother Kenny (Cindy) Madsen of Box Elder; and one sister-in-law, Karen Kay Madsen of New Underwood; as well as three nieces, five nephews and several grand-nieces and -nephews.
Miss Madsen was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Jim, and a niece Alicia.
Memorials may be directed to the St.Johns Catholic Church of New Underwood or to a charity of the donors choice.