Karen Rose (Droessler) Reisen, 76, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at 1:50 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Ennoble Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at St. Mary's Church in East Dubuque, IL with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Burial will follow in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation is from 2:30 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL.  Parish Scripture Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. led by Karen's nephew Father Chad Droessler.  There will be an additional visitation from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Karen was born on June 2, 1947, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the daughter of Gerald V. and Luetta M. (Splinter) Droessler.  She was a graduate of Wahlert Catholic High School, the class of 1965. Paul R. Reisen finally convinced her to give up her parents' dream of the convent, and the two of them were united in marriage at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kieler, WI, on September 10, 1966. Paul and Karen were made for each other, and their commitment and love were obvious to all who knew them.

Into their marriage, six children were born.  It was obvious, if you ever saw Karen in person, that she was quite small in stature.  However, you would be mistaken if you were fooled by her diminutive size! Growing up as the oldest of ten children on a dairy farm, Karen was never afraid to take on any task or job, no matter how difficult or dirty the work was. Simply put, God never made another person as loyal, strong and steady as her.  Karen put her husband's and children's needs before her own on a daily basis.  As a result, her children were sure to grow up with a great work ethic, and each of them knew that they were cared for and loved.  Karen was extremely proud of her six children, twenty grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. To them, she will forever be remembered as the best Nana there ever was with big hugs and kisses on the cheeks.

Surviving are her husband, Paul R. Reisen Sr. of East Dubuque.  Their children, Paul Jr. of Freeport, IL, and his children Tanner (Lexie), and their children, Ben, Ellie, with a new baby on the way, and Breanna. William (Kara) of East Dubuque and their children Nolan, Cassandra (Mathew), Anna, and Natalie. Jody (Jim) Winchell of East Dubuque and their children Paulina (Kenny), and their daughter, Piper, Andrew (Mariah).  Jason "Jake" (Beckie) of Roy, UT and their children Zoey (Joshua), and their daughter, Clara, and Beau.  Bryan "B" (Amy) of Fayetteville, GA and their children Ashley, Alyssa, Cole, Avery, and Carter. Gerry Lou (Jestin Sr.) Sertle of East Dubuque and their children Jestin Jr., Eben, Gavin, Aspen, and Karin.

Karen is also survived by nine siblings. Twins:  Jerry (Dorothy) Droessler and Mary (Fred) Vincent. Twins:  Keith (Mary Jo) Droessler and Kathy (Joe) Albert, Gail (Tom) Schroeder, Greg (Jane) Droessler, Carrie Cole, Carla (Billy) Randecker, Paula (Pat) Redfearn. Sister-In-Law, Arlene Reisen, Sister-In-Law, Josephine Powers, Brother-In-Law, Bob Reisen, and many, many, many nephews and nieces.

Besides her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her Father-in-Law, William Reisen Sr., Mother-in-Law, Pauline Reisen, Sister-In-Law, Betty Rodgers, Brother-In-Law, Elmer "Ruff" Rodgers, Brother-In-Law William Reisen Jr., Brother-In-Law, Ralph Reisen, Sister-In Law, Jean Reisen, Brother-In-Law, Bob Powers, Brother-In-Law, John Joseph Reisen (in infancy).

The last nine years were a difficult period for Karen.  As her family, we would love to send out a thank you to all of the care providers we have needed.

24 Hour Care, LLC of Galena, IL

The Memory Care Unit at Ahva Living of East Dubuque, IL

Ennoble Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque, IA

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com