Karen E. (Peters) Freese, 84, of Menominee, IL, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Stonehill Health Center in Dubuque, IA.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, where the parish and St. Ann’s Society rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. on Monday. There will be an additional visitation at the church from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, prior to the funeral mass. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Nativity BVM Church in Menominee, with Rev. Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Karen was born on August 19,1941 in Galena, IL, the daughter of Charles and (Helen Marcella Powers) Peters, Sr. She was a graduate of Galena High School, the class of 1959. On July 18,1959 she was united in marriage to Gerald “Gerry” “Red” Freese at St. Michael’s Church in Galena. He preceded her in death on July 12, 2024.

Karen was a homemaker and later worked for the Dominican Sisters at Sinsinawa in the kitchen, helped with organizing banquets and events and later as a receptionist and switchboard operator, serving for almost 40 years before her retirement.

She enjoyed cooking, shopping, especially at the Dollar Store, flowers and time spent with family.

Karen was a member of Nativity BVM Parish and its St. Ann’s Society.

She is survived by her children, Terry Freese (Ami) of Menominee, Tamara (Eric) Sanderson of Dubuque, IA, Tim (Chrissy) Freese of Menominee, and Michelle Amy Freese (Sean) of Menominee; her grandchildren, Jared Freese of Menominee, Grant Sanderson of North Liberty, IA, Laine Sanderson (Nate) of Dubuque, IA, Abbey Freese (Parker), Isabelle Freese (Tanner) and Audrianne Freese of Menominee, IL, and step-grandson, Chance Lyden, and Tuffy the dog.

She was preceded in death by husband Gerry, a grandson R.J., a daughter-in-law, Susie, her parents and siblings.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Caceres, Dr. Kahn, In home nurse Cris and the nurses and staff at Stonehill Health Center for the excellent care provided for their mother and grandmother.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©