Written by Ernest Sands
SFC KAREN SYVERSON
1 Nov 1946- 4 Jun 2020
14th Women's Army Corps Band 1973-
1980
US Army retired 1973-1993
SFC Karen Ilene Syverson {Ret} passed away at her home in Madison, WI, on Thursday, June 4, 2020. Karen led a full life and
will be missed by so very many friends and loved ones from across the country. She was born on November 1, 1946, in the house
where her life ended on June 4th this year.
She experienced her primary and high school years in Wisconsin, Texas, and Arkansas and graduated from Lake Hamilton High
School in Hot Springs, Arkansas. After graduation, Karen played guitar and bass with several groups in Hot Springs Arkansas
and attended Little Rock University.
She returned to Madison and attended the University of Wisconsin. In 1973 Karen joined the United States Army and completed
her Basic Training at Ft. McClellan, Alabama. She was then assigned to the 14th Army Womens Army Corps Band, the only all-female
band in the U.S.Army, earning a MOS in both guitar and French horn. When on parade, the Corps marched to the beat of Karen's
bass drum.
Although she was assigned to other posts during her Army career and was awarded an M-16 Sharpshooter badge and an Expert
.45 Caliber badge, her love of and allegiance to the Womens Army Corps Band was of the highest degree. Karen was co-founder
and organizer of the WAC Band Reunions that began in 2004 and have occurred bi-annually since.
Karen participated in these reunions as an announcer, creator of the special music to open the concert, driver of the
equipment truck, leader of the dance band, maintained the database for the roster, and so much more. Karen provided the lifeblood
for these reunions that she so loved.
After retiring from the Army in 1993, Karen moved to Weaver, AL, and utilized another of her many talents. She drove an
18-wheel big rig truck for C&W Transport, Alabama, until she retired in 2005 to return to Madison to care for her aging
mother. Once she was settled in Madison, Karen joined the Ladies Must Swing Band, a 19-piece all-female jazz band specializing
in WWII era music as a guitarist. Playing with these ladies helped fulfill her life-long desire of "making music with
my friends." In recent years Karen and her partner, Jan Larson, joined the Dimensions In Sound Studio Orchestra playing
French horn and flute, respectively. She entered this endeavor as she did everything with great enthusiasm and energy, and
it brought her great happiness.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, Alfred John Syverson; her mother, Roberta ({Bobye} Brinkley Syverson; and younger
sister Christine D. Syverson. She is survived by her partner, Jan Larson of Madison; one younger sister, Janene Kassaw; brother-in-law
Marshall Kassaw; 2 nephews, Derek Johnson and Marshall Douglas (Doc) Kassaw; grandnephew, Peyton; and grandnieces, Kayla and
Olivia. Graveside services will be held at Forest Hills Cemetery, Veteran's Section, on Friday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m. For
Karen, it was always all about the music. Cress Funeral & Cremation Services 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434 Please
share memories at www.cressfuneralser vice.
Obituary written by Jan Larson
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MARKSMAN SHARP SHOOTER |
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EXPERT.45 CALIBER PISTOL |
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ARMY WHEELED DRIVER |
THE VOICE OF THE WAC BAND
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2004 FIRST WAC BAND REUNION |
Since 2004 to 2018 Karen was the primary MC of the
WAC BAND reunions. Her voice will be missed.
14th
WOMENS ARMY CORPS BAND
When
Karen was not preparing for the next WAC Band reunion concert, she was playing
with her new found love, Ladies must swing jazz band, Great band, if you love
swing music, these are the gals to listen to.
Their Story
Our
story is about inspiration and encouragement given by lovers of good music and
finding out what entertains and makes them happy. Over 21 years ago, LMS became
Ladies Must Swing which came from Linda Marty Schmitz, President of the Madison
Jazz Society, which also gave us our very first performance opportunity!
The
presence of women playing jazz has gotten a lot of attention over the last
decade and we are grateful for that. We intend to keep the musical momentum
going and invite you to come see us, hear us, dance to us, celebrate with us,
and re-live history!
Karen also joined the
GOOD BYE KAREN, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. YOU FOUGHT
THE GOOD FIGHT, NOW IT'S TIME TO REST AND BE RENEWED IN YOUR NEW BODY, YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW YOU
Dedicated
to Jan, Karen's caregiver and Partner though out her journey, who never left her side. We all thank you and the hospice
team, and the ladies must swing band members who took the time to visit with Karen, and Karen's family who was able to be
there.
Karen favorite causes
PRIMATES INCORPORATED SANTUARY https://primatesinc.com/?fbclid=IwAR0hpUeztCrZrriFA4FBaogozBdmkjCd6vApQbEgf8-LjZNRibSeGUo5sEE
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