Karla Jean Masterson Goodman

Karla Jean Masterson Goodman obituary, Whitewater, WI

Karla Jean Masterson Goodman

Karla Masterson Goodman Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Nitardy Funeral Homes - Whitewater on Nov. 6, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Karla Jean Masterson Goodman, 72, of Severna Park, Maryland passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, due to complications of multiple sclerosis. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final hours.
Karla was born on March 11, 1953, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, the daughter of parents William and Phyllis (Chamberlain) Masterson. She grew up in Whitewater, Wisconsin, graduated from Whitewater High School, and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. Karla found great enjoyment working at the Delafield Public Library among the books she loved. She moved to Maryland later in life to be with her son Mike and his family.
A true cat lover verging on crazy cat lady, Karla raised and loved many felines. She was well known for the cat sweaters and pins she wore, as well as the many cat pictures and figurines decorating her living spaces. Karla also loved games, puzzles, TV game shows, going to the movies, Coca-Cola, the color purple, and chocolate. She adored music and spent decades singing alto in various choirs and playing the piano, clarinet, and handbells, especially at Delafield Presbyterian Church.
Karla was a follower of Jesus and a member of Woods Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, MD, where she sang in the choir for years. Karla was a proud member of Delta Zeta Sorority, which she joined at UW-Whitewater. She cultivated lifelong friendships from her chapter and they had regular get-togethers until Karla moved away from Wisconsin. She was also a member of P.E.O. International and remained close with the organization until her death.
Remaining to cherish Karla's memory are sons Michael (Jessica) Goodman and Brian (Ashley) Goodman, grandchildren Ella Ruth Goodman and Ziggy Goodman, and brothers Kim Masterson and Bruce Masterson, along with several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her grandson Theodore Goodman, parents, and sisters-inlaw Pam Schmit-Masterson and Debbie Masterson.
A celebration of Karla's life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00am at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, WI, with Pastor Martinelli officiating. The service will be followed by burial at Hillside Cemetery. We will then share memories of Karla over Gus' pizza, Coca-Cola, and chocolate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Karla's name can be made to Alley Cat Allies (www.alleycat.org) under the Ways to Give and Tributes tabs.
Online condolences may be shared at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, WI.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Karla Masterson Goodman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 9, 2025

Carson Cline Fixmer posted to the memorial.

November 6, 2025

Margaret J Denekas posted to the memorial.

November 6, 2025

Nitardy Funeral Homes - Whitewater posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Carson Cline Fixmer

November 9, 2025

Sending my heartfelt sincere condolences to Mike and Brian and their families on the loss of their mother Karla. Karla was a vivacious and spirited presence, a brilliant scholar and wonderful role model to me and all of her DZ sisters. She was a strong and courageous woman who found joy in her life in spite of her long illness. Karla and I graduated together from UW Whitewater in 1975 and later had a chance to reconnect and spend time together when my family moved to Delafield and Mike and my daughter Lindsay were high school classmates. Karla and I had wonderful conversations about our shared love of books and fun get togethers for lunch and a movie. She will be missed.
May Karla rest in peace and may memories of a beautiful soul comfort all who knew and loved her.
Attached are some pictures from our DZ days together in 1974-75. Karla, Mandy Pahde Reyes and Jean Werfal.
Karla and Bill.
Karla (far right) with her DZ sisters at Tripp Lake.

Margaret J Denekas

November 6, 2025

Karla was one of the first people, who I met when I moved to Sunrise of Severna Park, Maryland, in June of 2015. She and I were close in age, and had some things in common. Both of us, had birthdays in March, both of us have a love for music, and cats. I am also known as a crazy cat lady! Since I have such a love for music, and cats, I now go by the name of Musiccat. I know that Karla is going to be missed! If I could donate to the Alley Cat. org, I would, but I am financially strapped. Sending hugs, prayers, and love to all of Karla's family!
Margaret J Denekas

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Nitardy Funeral Homes - Whitewater

550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI 53190

Make a Donation
in Karla Masterson Goodman's name

How to support Karla's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Karla Masterson Goodman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Karla Masterson Goodman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 9, 2025

Carson Cline Fixmer posted to the memorial.

November 6, 2025

Margaret J Denekas posted to the memorial.

November 6, 2025

Nitardy Funeral Homes - Whitewater posted an obituary.