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Karen Sue Winkel, 83

Karen Sue (Grotz) Winkel, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, at Downs Care and Rehabilitation. Born on January 17, 1942, in St. Paul, Kansas, she graced this world with her loving spirit for over 83 years, leaving behind a treasure trove of memories that will warm the hearts of all who knew her.
Karen spent an extraordinary 65 years as a dedicated homemaker and farm wife, a role she embraced with unmatched passion and devotion. She was not only known for her incredible sourdough bread and daily freshly baked cookies but also for her exquisite gardening skills and her talent for canning. People often found themselves feeling at home in her kitchen, never leaving with an empty stomach. Karen's famous cinnamon apple sauce remains a cherished dish, fondly remembered by family and friends alike.
Raised with strong values, Karen completed her high school education at St. John's Catholic School in 1960. It was there that she developed the character traits that would define her life: a warm heart, unwavering resilience and an exceptional ability to put her family first. She married the love of her life, Karl Peter Winkel, on June 16, 1960, at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit, Kansas. Together, they celebrated a remarkable 65 years of marriage, with one of the highlights being a memorable trip to Alaska for their 50th wedding anniversary.
Throughout her life, Karen cherished her family above all else. Her children, Karl P. Winkel Jr., Kari (Joe) Eilert, Steven (Judi) Winkel, Christopher Winkel and Kurt Winkel, were her pride and joy, and she adored each of her 16 grandchildren. Whether it was crafting delightful projects with her sewing machine for her granddaughters or sewing baby quilts for the new grandbabies, Karen found immense joy in nurturing the next generation. Her deep love for her family was evident in her everyday actions; she took delight in their successes and never hesitated to brag about them to anyone who would listen.
Aside from her family life, Karen's personality shone brightly. She was known for her level-headed nature and sweet disposition. Her grandchildren often brought laughter into her home, delighting in the playful thrill of hiding rubber rats to give her a gentle scare. These playful memories exemplified her spirit-filled with joy, light and an infectious love for life.
Karen's life was also enriched by her education, hobbies, and cherished relationships. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and engaging in crafts, always finding ways to express her creativity. One of her most treasured memories from her youth was a trip to Whittier, California, where she visited her aunt and uncle, a journey she fondly recalled throughout her life.
Karen leaves behind her beloved husband, Karl P. Winkel of Glen Elder; her siblings, Gary (Fe) Grotz of Rio Vista, California, Carole Schneider of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Alan (Kathy) Grotz of Mission Viejo, California, and Joy (Jim Pillard) Grotz of Beloit. She is also survived by her adoring children and their families, as well as 16 cherished grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews.
She was greeted in heaven by her parents, Joyce and Noel Grotz; her brother-in-law, John Schneider; her son, Karl P. Winkel, Jr.; her grandson, Mark Winkel; and her great-nephew, Sam Schneider.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Karen's life during the visitation at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a vigil rosary service at 7:00 PM.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Dinner to follow at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church concluding with a celebration of her remarkable life.
Memorials may be made to Fr. Greg for the Lakota (Sioux) children at St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota, or Angels Care Home Health in Russell, Kansas, in care of Schoen Funeral Home and Monuments, 1001 Morgan Ave., Downs, KS 67437.
Karen Sue Winkel's legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to her family will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit lives on in the joyous memories shared by her loved ones.

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Beloit, KS 67420, USA