Karen Ann (Kruser) Averkamp, 71, of Kieler, WI passed away peacefully on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Harmony Dubuque.  A private family service will be held.   The Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI is serving the family.

Karen was born on July 4, 1953 to William "Bill" and Patricia (Kohn) Kruser in Dubuque, IA.  She was a graduate of Hazel Green High School.  She married Thomas "Tom" Averkamp on August 28, 1971 in Kieler, WI.  Karen was an extremely hard worker and instilled those values in her children.  She worked at the Point Drive In, Dick's Bake Shoppe, ER Carpenter, and ran a cleaning business.  Together, Tom and Karen raised three children and were blessed with seven grandchildren.  Karen was the ultimate caretaker and protector.  She grew up the second oldest of nine and did all that she could to provide a loving home to each of them.  With every child and grandchild, came a renewed purpose and mission to teach, care, and provide nurturing love.  She taught the importance of a clean house, working hard, and giving kindness and respect.  Along with the grandchildren, her lapdogs Shorty and Cassie, received favorite status, from Nana.  Karen enjoyed sewing, cleaning, cooking for gatherings, but most of all, spending time with her family and grandchildren. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Tom; a son, Tim (Amy) Averkamp of Sun Prairie, WI and their children, Dylan, Ally and Lily; a daughter, Brenda Ritt (Special Friend, Wayne) of Galena, IL and her daughters, Lucy and Lila; and daughter, Lori (Ryan) Kieler of Kieler, WI and their children, Quinn and Chloe; 8 siblings: Judy Kolbe (Special Friend, Tom), Patsy VanNatta (Special Friend, Steve), Sharon (Randy) Trevarthen, Bill (Joanie) Kruser, Julie (Mike) Wimmer, Linda (Jesse) Jansen, Joe (Peggy) Kruser, and Bob (Peggy) Kruser; In-laws Terry (Kim) Averkamp, Mary (Dan) Rygel, Larry (Sally) Averkamp, Paul (Diane) Averkamp, Joe (Suzanne) Averkamp, Jim (Jan) Averkamp, Lloyd (Chris) Averkamp, Lynn (Phil) Christensen, Diane (Norm) Tougas, and Karen Stewart; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, father in-law and mother in-law, Aloysius and Shirley Averkamp, a brother-in law, Jim Kolbe, and a niece, Morgan Kruser.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ryan Stille and his staff, Dr. Michael Peroski and his staff, MercyOne Emergency Room, the Harmony Dubuque Team, the Care Initiatives Hospice Team, and Fr. Bernie Rott.  We deeply appreciate the care and compassion all of you have shown Karen throughout her life's journey.

In lieu of plants & flowers a Karen A. Averkamp Memorial Fund has been established.

Memorials may be mailed to:

Haudenshield Funeral Home
c/o: Karen Averkamp Family
P.O. Box 825
Cuba City, WI 53807