Karen Jean Kiekhaefer, age 74, of Reedsville, passed away at home on July 6, 2017, surrounded by her loving husband and family. Many knew Karen as "one of the strongest people they have ever known" as she endured her battle with lymphoma for over 20 years. Karen was born on January 25, 1943 daughter of the late Viola (Menchal) and Ellis "Lefty" Kohls. She married Richard Kiekhaefer on September 28, 1963 and they were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a large celebration with family and friends in 2013.Karen worked for many years in the beauty industry as a cosmetologist, cosmetology instructor, and cosmetology state board examiner. Karen also worked in banking and retired from the Denmark State Bank in 2005.Karen enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed camping, boating, going out to eat, shopping and "Girls Weekend". She was able to travel to several states, Hawaii, Mexico and Italy. She was a faith-filled woman and member of the Holy Family Parish in Brillion. She was most proud of her family and always supported their activities and accomplishments. She was nick-named "Dudders" by her first grandchild, Tracie, and many people called her Dudders too. She was a generous person remembering others with a card for birthdays and special events. She always signed her cards "Love Always".Karen is survived by her husband, Richard Kiekhaefer. Her children Carrie and Michael Wasmuth, Candice and Richard Bilotto, Chad and Valerie Kiekhaefer, and Cristin and Jeff Tisler. Her grandchildren: Tracie Wasmuth and fiancé Jonathan Kusowski, Ty Wasmuth and special friend Courtney Kenneke, Cale and Carsyn Kiekhaefer, Jackson, Mason and Delaney Tisler, Christopher and Kendra Bilotto, Andrea and Jeremy Westphal, Nicholas Bilotto, Rachel and Jackson Beelen, and Joanna Bilotto. Her great-grandchildren: Easton Wasmuth, Olivia Bilotto, Madeline, Makensie and Gwenyth Westphal, and Benjamin Beelen. One sister: Jolene Wohlford. Brother-in-laws and Sister-in-laws: Mel and Veryl Kiekhaefer, Paul and Kathie Kiekhaefer, Dennis and Jean Kiekhaefer, Chris and Kevin Van Laanen, Kathy and Roy Krouse and many nieces and nephews also survived.Karen was preceded in death by her parents and in-laws Walter and Verona (Treichel) Kiekhaefer. Brother-in-law William "Sam" Wohlford.Mass of Christian Burial for Karen will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at NOON, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion. The Rev. Timothy Brandt will officiate. Entombment will be at Knollwood Mausoleum in Manitowoc. Visitation will take place at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 am to 11:30 am with the mass to follow at NOON.In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in her name.A special thank you to Dr. Jules Blank and the care team at Green Bay Oncology for the great care provided to Karen.