Karen R. (Bongard) Breunig, age 81, began her heavenly journey on 8/22/22, surrounded peacefully by the love of her family, at the UW Hospital in Madison. She was born in Sauk City on November 9, 1940, the youngest child of Frank and Rose (Endres) Bongard. She graduated from Sauk City High School in 1958. Karen was united in marriage with Leon Breunig on May 5, 1959. A loving bond that lasted for 63 incredible years.

Early in her career, Karen worked as a bookkeeper for Madison 7 Up and Brandiwood Electric for several years. In 1976 she and Leon purchased Riviera Bowl in Sauk City. That amazing adventure would guide them through the next 19 years, blessing them with many laughs and lifelong friendships. After selling Riviera in 1995, Karen once again reinvented herself by excelling as a registration specialist at Sauk-Prairie Memorial Hospital, until her retirement in 2010.

Karen greatly enjoyed traveling, bowling, golfing, puzzles, cheering on Wisconsin sports teams, and battling one-armed bandits. She cherished time spent with her bowling teammates, her golfing groups, card games with the Sheepshead group, lunches with the RIB group, and the many memorable adventures that she and dad shared with Harry & Bev Wormet and Stan & Judy Rauls. She adored special moments with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Karen excelled at kindness. She made everyone that knew her a better person, and this world a better place.

Karen is survived by her husband, Leon, sister, Frances Thompson, brother, Bud (Carol) Bongard, sisters-in-law, Liz Bongard and Virginia Bongard, children; Rick (Karla Ederer), Kari, Wade (Colleen) and Kelly, grandchildren; Megan (Jordan) Frey, Shea (Ben) Ganser, Erin Breunig, Jayce (Angel) Harder & Keegan Harder, step-grandchildren, Kaitie (Luke) Moran, Rachel, Nick & Jacob Ringelstetter, great grandchildren; Wyatt & Olin Frey, Hank & Cal Ganser, Addisyn & Hudsyn Harder.

She is further survived by her dear friend Jo Anna Breunig, many relatives and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Rose (Endres) Bongard, brothers, Victor, Eugene, Charles, infant Joseph, and sisters, Clarice Hug and Mary Jo Pape.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 am on Monday, August 29, 2022, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Sauk City. Mass will be live streamed at https://youtu.be/WGl6f1Sgy4c

Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 – 6 pm on Sunday, August 28, at  Hooverson Funeral Home, Sauk City.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to 6:8 Sauk-Prairie or St. Jude's Children's Hospital. In mom's absence, slot machine donations to local casinos would also be appreciated.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Baker, Dr. Grunewald, Dr. Richards, and the entire UW Hospital staff for their compassionate care.