Karen Marie Bents McCulloch

PORTAGE –  Karen Marie Bents McCulloch, age 71, died on Wednesday, June 29, 2011,  at her home in Portage, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Karen was born on May 4, 1940, in Cumberland, WI, the daughter of Evert and Christine (Cordes) Bents.  The eldest of five children, she was raised in Comstock, WI, graduating from Cumberland high School in 1958.  A strong believer in education, Karen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Northland College in Ashland, WI and a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin.  She worked for several years with the Wisconsin State library system before beginning a lengthy career with the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), from where she retired in 2007.

An active supporter of the arts, Karen participated with several Portage groups including Portage Community Players and the Zona Gale Singers.  She also performed with close friend, Dave Yerke on the piano in many concerts.  Additionally, Karen enjoyed golfing, reading, traveling and time spent with family and her many close friends.  A lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, Karen acted as head organist of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Portage for many years.  She was an active member at Bethlehem, holding many positions and serving on various committees.

Karen married Lewis W. Charles in 1962.  They had two children, L. Michael born in 1966 and Mark William in 1970.  She married Dr. Michael S. McCulloch in 1983.

Karen is survived by sons:  L. Michael (Pamela) Charles of Portage and Mark W. Charles of Milwaukee;  grandchildren, L. Bradley, Joseph, Andrew and Katharine;  siblings, Dorothea (Paul) Jirsa of Oakdale, MN, Gary (Ann) Bents of Manitowoc, WI, Gerard (Marcy) Bents of Woodbury, MN and Ralph (Carol) Bents of Courtland, MN.  She is also survived by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, many cousins and numerous close friends.  Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Evert and Christine Bents, husband, Dr. Michael S. McCulloch, and special friend, Dana Rhutasel.        

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, W8267 Highway 33E, Portage, WI, with the Rev. Dick Inglett officiating.  Private family burial will be in Silver Lake Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the church. 
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Sam Lubner and staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Treatment Center, the staff at Home Health United Hospice, and all her wonderful friends who helped greatly throughout the past year.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Portage.