Karen I. Diels, age 84, of Merrill, WI, passed away peacefully, while surrounded by family, on Friday, October 4, 2024. Karen, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend was born on August 17, 1940, in Merrill, WI, to the late Herman and Ivy (Gartmann) Hoffman.
In her late teens, Karen met Allan “Butch” Diels, the love of her life, and they were married on October 11, 1958. Together they raised two wonderful children, Tim and Scott. The family enjoyed a happy life in Merrill after relocating from Two Rivers, WI. Karen was employed at Lincoln Wood Products where she was the first female employee ever hired and she was very proud of that. Karen’s quick wit and determination showed everyone that women could make it in a “Man’s world”. Karen started her employment with Lincoln Wood Products in 1967 where she worked until her retirement.
Although she was proud of her accomplishments throughout her career, Karen also dedicated herself to caring for her children and her family. It was important to Karen that she was close to her family. She would spend Friday nights going out to eat with her family, having craft days with her grandchildren, delivering her sugar cookies that everyone loved, calling her family on their birthdays so that she could sing “Happy Birthday” to them, creating themes for Christmas celebrations (she was willing to do anything that her grandchildren asked her to do), and hosting her famous annual “Farm Party” for over 30 years. It was rare that a day went by that Karen and Butch did not spend time with their children or grandchildren. Karen’s legacy of love and the importance of family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Karen leaves behind her husband, Allan “Butch” Diels; her children, Tim (Sherri) Diels, and Scott (Mary Jo) Diels, both of Merrill, WI; her grandchildren, Keith Diels, Kristina (Zach) Patterman, Courtney (Dan) Diels-Osness, Derek Diels, Hunter (Kaylin) Diels, and Chantelle (Zack) Anderson; and her great-grandchildren, Cayden Diels, Adein Diels, Kaylee Patterman, and Riley Patterman.
A celebration of life gathering will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a late lunch served at 3:00 PM, at the Agra Pavilion at 404 S. Park Street in Merrill. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. View Karen’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.
The post Karen I. Diels appeared first on Merrill Foto News.