Karen Louise Gleisner

Karen Louise Gleisner (Bunde) passed peacefully from the arms of her loving husband Mark, into the loving arms of God on February 9th, 2026. She was born on April 15, 1954, to William and Geraldine (Krigsvold) Bunde in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Karen was an EC Memorial HS "Old Abe" and an EC University "Blue Gold" graduating in 1976 with a BFA in Graphic Design.

Karen met her love and partner in life Mark in Milwaukee, and were married on April 27, 1991, joyfully gaining an instant stepdaughter Laura.

Karen had a 30-year career in television as a Graphic Designer and Art Director. She started at WITI-6 in Milwaukee, then moved to WDTN-2 in Dayton, OH, and finally returned to Milwaukee at WTMJ-4 where she spent 21 years as Art Director.

Karen always had an interest in learning and exploring different forms of visual arts and was an active member of several artist organizations including Cream City Calligraphers and Paper Arts, the Manito Art League and the Wisconsin Valley Art Association. After retiring in 2006 and later moving to Rib Mountain, WI, she started creating and showing her hand-cut paper sculptures, winning numerous awards.

When she was not working on her art pieces, she enjoyed working out at the "Y" and hanging out at The Landing. Karen also enjoyed spending summers at their cabin in Manitowish Waters, boating, fishing for Crappies, watching "her" white deer raise her fawns and especially entertaining her grandchildren with her games and treasure hunts.

Karen is predeceased by her parents, her nephew Scott Olson and her sister-in-law Greta Russel. Karen is survived by her husband Mark, step-daughter Laura (Tom) Stevens, grandchildren William, Henry and Victoria, her siblings Sandra Olson, Barbara (Tom) Olson and Alan Bunde, niece Megan (Sam) Hunt, sister-in-Law Gail (Barry) Thompson, nephews Joe and Mike (Stephanie) Thompson and numerous other relatives.

The family thanks the doctors and staff at Aspirus Cancer Center, Froedtert Cancer Center and Aspirus Hospital Wausau for their compassionate care during her cancer journey.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 150202 County Road NN, Wausau, WI 54401, with a visitation at church, from 11:00 A.M. up until the time of service. Pastor Jack Busche will officiate. A luncheon will be served after the memorial service. Helke Funeral Home of Wausau is honored to be assisting the Gleisner family with arrangements. Condolence may be made online at www.helke.com