An Interview with Karen Lund
Our busy schedules and the long distance between us led Karen and I to meet via phone, which
worked smoothly. I’m always interested in members’ histories and spiritual journeys. Karen’s
story includes a new faith tradition for me; one whose beliefs seem similar to ours.
What would you like to share with the community about your life?
“I grew up in Oshkosh Wisconsin with two brothers and two sisters, attending Oshkosh public schools. I played violin in the school orchestra and graduated in 1963. We grew up during the 50s and 60s in our home on Bowen Street. Mary Louise, Barbara and I enjoyed doing girl things like dressing our cats up in doll clothes and pushing them in the doll buggy until they escaped and ran away. Of course, we went roller skating on the front sidewalk if we found our roller skate keys.”
Karen and her sisters jumped rope, played ball, and used hula hoops. They also had tea parties with their friend Patty who lived next door, serving mud cakes they made.
“I married Allan Lund from Hollandale whom I met on a blind date. We lived in Madison and rural McFarland and raised three sons, Barry, Scott, and Brad. Now we live in Mount Horeb, the Land of the Trolls!
“Once the boys were in school, I worked at various temporary office positions at UW. Then I got a permanent job at UW Hospital radiology as a program assistant. The last five years before retirement, I worked for American Family Children's Hospital in the Safe Kids program and with the fundraising director. We did telethons every spring to raise money for the hospital.”
Karen retired in 2010 and now does mixed-media art. She displayed her art in the Unity hospitality area the summer of 2025 and will again later this year.
“I am active with the progressive group Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives. We advocate for free and fair elections and other important social issues.”
What brought you to Unity?
Karen was a member of the Baha’i faith for several years. “They believe all religions are one like the spokes of a wheel with the Divine at the center.”
Karen first joined Unity Church of Peace in west Madison with Reverend Eunice Chagnon. After they closed, she attended Unity of Madison with Reverend Marshall and his wife Carrie (Shanti).
“I liked that Marshall talked about many sources of religious and new thought authors that coordinate with Unity teachings. He once brought in a Native American spiritual leader, and we made a four-directions circle outside. I also enjoyed the music and songs with Shanti and her beautiful voice.”
What are your favorite activities at Unity?
“Over the years at Unity, I taught Youth Ed when Linda Tyllo was the director, worked in the bookstore with Diane Gould, and on the Christmas in July team with Jennifer Parker among other things. Now I am part of the Hospitality and Prayer Shawl teams.”
Is there anything you’d like to see Unity do that would make your experience even better?
“I always enjoy activities at Unity with like-minded people. I hope to continue for years to come. I enjoy the services, the music, and the lessons with Reverend Debra.”