Karen Elaine Meier

Karen Elaine Meier

Madison, Wis.

Karen Elaine Meier, age 80, of Madison, Wis., passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at her home. She was born on Sept. 10, 1943, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Marion “Doc” and Mary (Mathes) Fountain. Karen grew up on the family farm in Johnson County, three miles east of Morse. Karen graduated from West Branch High School in Iowa, 1961. She graduated from the University of Iowa, and later began a career as a pharmacy tech.

Karen married Thomas Hradek, and they had two sons, Daryl and Mark. The marriage ended in divorce. Karen later moved to Madison, continuing her pharmacy tech career at University of Wisconsin Hospitals. She became acquainted with Norbert Meier, they fell in love, and were married on June 30, 2001. They spent many happy years together, enjoying many travels both in the U.S. as well as Switzerland and Europe. She will be missed for her unique sense of humor.

Karen enjoyed crafting, quilting, sewing, card making and gardening. She also sold her produce at the Iowa City farmer’s market. She continued to have a garden on her deck growing herbs and flowers. Karen served on the Parks & Recreation Committee in Iowa City. During this time, she was involved with establishing the Ryerson Woods Park, a cherished and popular area for visitors. Karen volunteered at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wis.

Karen is survived by her son, Mark Hradek; brother, Larry Fountain; two nieces, Lorelle “Lori” (William) Strauss and Michelle “Shelly” Fountain; nephew, Bryant Fountain; Norbert’s family, Rob (Diane Haag) Meier, Mark and Larry (Lavon) Pavlowich, Heidi Meier and Joan (Bill Yarroch) Pavlowich; grandchildren, Joel and Erica Meier, Michael (Therese) and Nicole Yarroch; and great-grandchildren, Roslyn and Leon Yarroch. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Daryl Hradek; husband, Norbert Meier; and sister-in-law, Kathleen Fountain.

In keeping with Karen’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorials may be made to the family for a bench to be placed in Ryerson Woods Park, Iowa City, or Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wis.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.