Karen L. Marti, age 80, of Monticello, died on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at SSM Monroe Hospital, surrounded by her family. Karen was born on July 6, 1944 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of George and Elaine (Pierce) Rodenberg. She was a 1962 graduate of Monticello High School and attended Madison Cosmetology School. Karen was united in marriage to Donald F. Marti on October 23, 1965 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Argyle.
Karen was a loud and proud supporter of her children and grandchildren at sporting events. She loved camping, campfires, and traveling. Her favorite pastimes were reading, gardening, making jewelry, and crocheting. She was especially proud of making afghans for the most special people in her life. She passed on her love and compassion of pets to her children and grandchildren. Karen had the time of her life at her 80th birthday party with a glow of happiness all day long. She was devoted to the Monticello community. She provided in home daycare to several elderly residents and also volunteered many hours decorating Main Street for the holidays and Monticello Homecoming.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Donald Marti; three children, Jody Marti (Dionne Womack), Kristine (Tom) Witt, Michael (Marcy) Marti; five grandchildren, Alysha Witt and fiancé Nick Quinn, Alex Witt, Katie Witt, Mitchell Marti, Essence (Mike) Weaver; great granddaughter, Macy Weaver; brother, Allen Rodenberg (Judy Prisk); and sister, Rhonda (James) Schiek. She is further survived by nieces and nephews, Kelli (Tom) Cross, Jamie (Mark) Emmerson, Gary Jr. (Sherry) Boley, Thomas (Katie) Boley, Andrew Boley; brothers-in-law, Leo (Peggy) Marti, Gary Boley, Sr.; and close friends, Jan Woelffer, Elaine Steve, Carolyn Babler, Angie Masching, and many other close friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her mother, Elaine Zoe (Pierce) Rodenberg; her father, George Raymond Rodenberg; father and mother-in-law, Bernard and Margaret Marti; and friends, Alice Woelffer, Claudette Freitag, and Ramona Loughan.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Albany American Legion, 300 N Water Street. Memorials may be sent in Karen’s name to Don Marti, 546 S. Monroe Street, Monticello, WI, 53570. The NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
