Karen R. Carroll

Karen R. Carroll, 77, of Prairie du Chien, died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at Crossing Rivers Health, following a long struggle with emphysema and COPD.

She was born Karen Rose Flitsch on July 29, 1941, in Prairie du Chien, the second of two daughters to Earl J. and Margaret M. (Ackerman) “Marge” Flitsch. She was a 1959 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in Prairie du Chien. Later that year, she married Donald S. Carroll, of Lancaster, and the couple had six children together.

Primarily a homemaker, Karen worked for many years as a waitress at the Black Angus restaurant and as a cook at Memorial Hospital in Prairie du Chien. Later she worked as a day care provider at St. Gabriel’s. Karen loved to read, and, through the years, built a substantial library in her home. She was also a crafter and loved to search for treasures at garage sales and flea markets. 

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Donald; her children, John (Linda), of Fitchburg, Daniel, of Prairie du Chien, Sarah Riniker, of Prairie du Chien, and William (Nora) of Sauk City. She is also survived by a sister, LeAnn Craig, of Prairie du Chien, as well as nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceeded in death by her beloved sons, David and Stephen; her brothers, Eugene and Robert; her parents Earl and Margaret; and a granddaughter, Sarah Jane Carroll. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m., at St. Gabriel’s Church of the Holy Family Parish, Rev. James Weighner officiating, with interment in the Calvary Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. A luncheon will be served at St. John’s Fellowship Hall following the services. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. The Garrity Funeral Home, of Prairie du Chien, is assisting the family.