Karen M. Gauger-Huber

Karen M. Gauger-Huber, 54, of Watertown, passed away early Thursday morning when the Lord reached down with his mighty hands and took Karen to be with Him in heaven. She is no longer in pain and her soul has JESUS in all his glory. What a glorious day. BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown with Rev. Karl Walther officiating. Relatives and friends may gather at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. In honor of Karen, the family requests that those in attendance cowboy-up and dress the part. Memorials, if desired, would be appreciated to St. John's Lutheran Church or to St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Watertown for capital improvements. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.HafemeisterFH.com.
Karen Marie Gauger was born on April 9, 1971 to Raymond and Sally (nee Schwartz) Gauger in Burlington, WI. On October 4, 2008 she married David Huber at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Watertown.
Karen started training and showing horses as a young teen and became involved in the Buckskin horses after raising them from her great mare, Adrienne Bar Beau. Karen went to school at UW-River Falls, and Lakeshore Technical College, and received a degree in Equine Management, in addition to having a Bachelor's degree in Business. She worked at a feed mill as a Certified Equine Specialist. While working for a feed company in the equine nutrition department, she set up a tack store at the feed mill. Karen had seven judging cards, including the American Buckskin Registry Association judging card. She would often attend judging seminars including the "Color Breeds Seminar in Oklahoma City, OK.
Karen dedicated nearly 35 years to the Quarter Horse industry. She was an active competitor in the Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association, the International Buckskin Horse Association, and the American Buckskin Horse Association. She was also a proud lifetime member of numerous organizations, including the American Quarter Horse Association, Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association, American Buckskin Association, International Buckskin Association, American Paint Horse Association, and the Foundation Quarter Horse Association.
Over the years, Karen showed horses to many notable achievements, including World Championships, Honor Rolls, Registers of Merit, and ABRA Championships. Most recently, she enjoyed exhibiting offspring from her ABRA stallions. She competed in a wide variety of events-Western Pleasure, Halter, Showmanship, English Pleasure, Hunter Hack, Trail, Western Riding, Reining, Working Ranch Horse, and Speed Classes. Karen strongly believed in the value of all-around horses and devoted her breeding program to producing versatile horses capable of excelling in many disciplines.
Karen is survived by her husband David Huber of Watertown; two sons, John Huber and Mark Huber; stepdaughter, Emily Huber; and brother Jim Gauger of Waterloo; as well as cousins, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother John Gauger.