Karen Frances Birkel, 60, of Dubuque formerly of Sherrill passed away Sunday, June 10, 2018 at her home.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Friday, June 15, 2018 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Sherrill. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Thursday, June 14, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road, additional visitation will be 9:00 am-10:00 am, Friday prior to Mass at the funeral home. Burial will be in Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Sherrill.

Karen was born September 8, 1957 in Dubuque, daughter of Herman and Mary Lou (Schmitt) Birkel. She attend a special education program at Audubon School. Karen loved family gatherings, spending time with nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She enjoyed putting together puzzles, word searches and listening to Polka and Country music. Karen was an avid Iowa Hawkeye Fan and went to Cozy Corner regularly.

Karen is survived by her mother, Mary Lou Birkel; siblings, Philip (Punkie) Birkel, Dennis (Diane) Birkel, Nancy (Jim) Decker, Amy (Tim) Lahey, and Scot Birkel all of Sherrill; nieces and nephews, Corey (Kelly) Birkel, Andrea (Keith) Kluesner, Travis (Kimmie) Birkel, Amelia (Kevin) Schwers, Tammi (Trent) Weimerskirch, Nicholas (Kristi) Birkel, Aaron and Evan Decker, Drew, Ben, Claire, and Ty Lahey; and several great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father and a sister, Brenda in infancy.

A memorial fund has been established in Karen’s memory.

Online condolences may be left for the family at hskfh.com.