Karen Sonja Dague, age 86 of Cumberland, went to Heaven on Friday, August 1, 2025 at her home. She was born on Christmas Day, 1938 in Cumberland, WI to Birger and Agnes (Wolke) Johnson.

Karen was a member of the Cumberland High School graduating class of 1957. In 1961, she went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Journalism from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. Upon graduation, she taught in the Des Moines, IA public school system as a middle school Physical Education teacher. Later she served as a teacher’s aide and long-term substitute teacher for the Cumberland School system.

She married Lowell Dague at the Cumberland First United Methodist Church on August 19, 1961. Lowell and Karen had two daughters, Laura and Lisa. Karen was a very devoted wife and mother. She served as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. She also served her community as a member of the Jaycettes and Women’s Club. She was active at her church through First United Methodist Women serving many years as treasurer. A proud accomplishment of hers was founding the Island City Piecemakers. The Island City Piecemakers is an ecumenical quilting group whose mission is to create and donate quilts to the community including Project Santa and quilts for veterans, nursing homes, fire victims, and raffles. The group recently celebrated their 20th Anniversary.

Her favorite pastime was spending time with her family. She also enjoyed traveling, quilting and water sports. She was part of the Cumberland Ladie’s Golf League and Couple’s Golf League for many years. While wintering in Texas, she had a hole in one. Karen and Lowell were also members of various bridge clubs. She loved tending to her flowers and gardening. She also loved cheering for the Minnesota Vikings.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Lowell, of Cumberland; daughters, Laura (George) Metropulos of Rice Lake and Lisa (Mike) McBrayer of Amery; grandchildren, George (Emily), Jared (Michaela), Trevor, Sam (Lauren) Metropulos, and Connor (Kylie), and Ryan McBrayer; great-grandchildren, George, Cecily, Jace, and Corrie Metropulos.She was preceded in death by her parents, Birger and Agnes Johnson; brothers, Harold (Bernice) and Richard (Helen) Johnson; and sister, Lorraine (Jim) Drake.

A visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church in Cumberland. A Christian funeral service will be held at 11AM on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church in Cumberland with Pastor Adelbert Frejas officiating. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

Private interment will be held at Lakeside Cemetery, Cumberland.

Last Update: Aug 12, 2025 7:13 am CDT