Karen Rundell

Mary “Karen” Rundell, 79, of Platteville, Wisconsin, died on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at University Hospital in Madison.  Karen was a welcoming, kind, and generous person, and throughout her life she was committed to her family and many friends. She enjoyed reading, card making, and quilting in her free time. Through Karen’s generosity as an organ and tissue donor, she continued to help other people in their time of need, as she had done throughout her life.  

Karen was born on January 31, 1947, in Buffalo, New York, the daughter of William F. and Mary A. (McAllister) O’Rourke.  Her family moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada when she was 7. Karen’s education from age 7 until age 18 was in the Canadian school system in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She received her BA from the University of Windsor in Ontario.

She lived in Ontario until 1970 when she met her future husband Richard “Dick” Rundell. She was united in marriage to Richard F. Rundell on July 29, 1972, in Toronto. They lived in San Jose, California for 3 years during which time Karen completed a teaching certificate at San Jose State University. They then settled in the Platteville area in 1975. She later completed a master's degree from UW-Platteville. 

She initially worked as a County Home economist in Ontario, and later was employed for 29 years as a special education teacher in the Platteville School District. She was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Platteville.   

Karen is survived by her husband Richard; twin sons, Erik (Kate) Rundell and their son Henry, and Sean (Shawn) Rundell and their son Arwyn; four siblings, Bernadette Smith, Sheila Thomas, Collette Ferneyhough, and Sean O’Rourke; and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents. She will be greatly missed. 

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Friday, November 13, 2026 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville.  Pastor Sue Strickler will officiate.  She will be buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville.  Visitation will be from Noon until the time of the service at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Donate Life, any organization working to feed people, UNICEF, or Mercy Corps. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.