Karen K. Litscher, 74, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Friday, August 14, 2026, after a long illness.

A private family service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL.

Karen was born in Dubuque, IA, on September 12, 1951, the daughter of Melvin J. and Agnes M. (Hemple) Lively. She was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the class of 1969. Karen married Roger R. Litscher on January 24, 1970, in Dubuque, IA.

She was formerly the office manager for Noble Manufacturing in Farley, IA; Johnson Graphics in East Dubuque, IL; and Northeast Iowa School of Music in Dubuque, IA.

Karen had a passion for reading, writing, making homemade soaps and lotions, and following the Indiana Fever. She was a member of Hope Church in Dubuque and participated in multiple Bible study groups, including one affectionately called “The Bible Babes.” Karen had a special fondness for animals and took pleasure in training her four golden retrievers over the years. She had a heart of gold, and was always ready for fun and travel. She cherished time spent sharing meals, laughter, and stories with her friends and family. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she took great delight in spoiling them, playing games together, and attending their events. She especially enjoyed their teasing and was always quick to dish it right back, often ending with a little shake of her fist and a smile, exclaiming, “To the moon with you!” In her final days, Karen was able to meet and hold her newborn great-grandson, Jeremy, named in honor of  her late son. The beautiful smile of pure joy on her face is an image her family will carry in their hearts forever.

Surviving are her husband, Roger; a daughter Kari Litscher of East Dubuque; three grandchildren, Maverick (Rachel) Risley, Beau Risley and Laina Litscher-DeBruin; great grandson Jeremy Risley; niece, Wanda (Tom) Russett, great niece, Jessica (Adam) Rheault, and great-great niece and nephew, Ellie and Sam Rheault; and niece Dawn McLemore and family.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Agnes; her son, Jeremy Litscher; her siblings, Harold, Shirley, Jo Ann, Nancy and Donna; her brother-in-law, James Hudson and nephew, James Hudson, II.

Karen’s family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City; Finley Hospital, Dubuque; and Hospice of Dubuque for the special care of their, wife, mother and grandmother.

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