Karen Winker

Karen Ida Winker, 81 years old, of Watertown, WI, died peacefully in her sleep on April 11, 2020, in memory care at Park Terrace in Watertown. Karen (nee Rupnow) was born October 10, 1938 in Oak Grove, WI, to Hilbert and Agnes Rupnow. She was married to the love of her life, Earl Winker, on June 21, 1958. After receiving an associate's degree in education from Mayville College, Karen taught elementary and high school in Dodge and Jefferson counties. A 45-year resident of Watertown, she retired from Eaton Corp., Watertown in 2003. Karen loved traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends, and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Watertown and a member of the Lowell VFW Sweethearts. Karen is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years Earl Winker, and her four sons: Brian (Cathy) of Watertown, Dale (Kerry) of West Bend, Scott (Karen) of Eden Prairie, MN, and Jay of Watertown. She is further survived by her grandchildren: Dani (Jordan) Wood, Zach (Jessica), Steven (Kaitlin), Kimberly (Chad) Englebrecht, Kevin, Matthew, Anthony, Kaley and Evan, and her three great grandchildren, Maverick, Kenzington and Calloway. Surviving siblings are Marylin (Robert) Schultz, David (Josie) Rupnow, Lawrence (Belva) Rupnow, and Hilbert (Joanne) Rupnow; sisters-in-law Nada (Eugene) Rupnow and Karen (Ronald) Rupnow and many nieces and nephews and good friends. Karen is preceded in death by her parents Hilbert and Agnes Rupnow; brothers: Waldemar, Eugene, Allen, and Ronald and sister-in-law Margaret Rupnow. At this time, the family plans to hold a private funeral and committal service and looks forward to a celebration of Karen's life in the future to be held at SCHMUTZLER-VICK. Schmutzler- Vick Funeral Home & Cremation Service is honored to serve the family. Please consider sending memories and condolences at www.watertownwifuneralhome.com. n lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or Immanuel Lutheran Church, Watertown. The family extends its gratitude to the caregivers who cared for Karen in the last years, including Nancy Laue, Park Terrace, Marquardt Hospice and Care Wisconsin.