08/10/2026
Our hearts and prayers hold the family of Karen upon her passing. We are grateful for her presence and gifts within our church family 🙏✝️🙏
Karen K. Winkler, age 84, of Colby, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Marshfield Medical Center.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Unity, with Rev. Teri Hanson officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to greet the family on Wednesday, August 19, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford, and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the service at the church.
Karen was born on February 20, 1942, to Harold and Olive (Laabs) Klessig. She graduated from Colby High School and earned her Bachelor's degree in education from UW-Stevens Point. She married Robert "Bob" Winkler on November 4, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Bob preceded her in death on January 12, 2003.
The daughter of a cheesemaker, the wife of a farmer, and a devoted teacher, Karen lived a life of service and faith. She spent 34 years teaching elementary education in the Colby school district, shaping generations of young minds. Karen was a pillar of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, played handbells, and contributed to the beloved Harvest Dinner. Karen was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. She was known for her warm hugs, love of games, and generous spirit. She cherished drives through the countryside and had a special fondness for spotting the white deer. Karen was a social butterfly who enjoyed the accompaniment of friends and neighbors, especially for Friday night fish fries. She also enjoyed monthly gatherings with fellow Unity teachers. Karen was an active member of the Red Hats, a testament to her vibrant spirit.
Karen is survived by her three sons: Kevin (Kymberly) of Belize, Darren (Patty) of Cambridge and Kyle (Patty) of Aurora, IL; seven grandchildren: Kari (Pat Hottman) Wagner, Amy (Doug) Vike, Ashley (Andy) Murray, Cody (Elizabeth) Winkler, Kenna (Tyler) Williams, Kaden Winkler and Kaleb Winkler; 10 great-grandchildren: Alana, Vanessa and Cal Wagner, Teigan, Dirkson and Layla Vike, Colton and Avery Murray, and Emma and Lainey Winkler; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents, her sister LaVonne (John) Matz, and her brother Gerald (Donna) Klessig.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, Central Fire & EMS District, the Lucille Tack Center for the Arts, or the Colby Public Library.
Family and friends may express condolences online at maurinaschilling.com.
