Karen Griebel, age 80, of Pipestone, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Pipestone County Hospice House in Pipestone. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone. Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone. Interment will follow in New Woodlawn Cemetery in Pipestone. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hartquist Funeral Home – Pipestone Chapel.
Karen Kay Griebel was born on May 12, 1945, to Raymond and Aurelia (Miller) Mains in Pipestone, Minnesota, a place she would always call home. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone. Karen graduated from Pipestone High School in 1963 and went on to attend St. Cloud State University for one year. On July 5, 1964, she began her career at FSA (formerly ASCS) as a program specialist. Karen was united in marriage to Gary Griebel on November 13, 1965, and they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. While raising their three sons, Karen shifted to part-time work, always putting her family first, before later returning to full-time employment until her retirement in 2011. In 2008, Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer and courageously battled the disease on and off for many years. She recently entered the Pipestone County Hospice House, where she passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the age of 80. Karen’s faith and service were cornerstones of her life. A devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone, she served as Sunday School Superintendent for more than 40 years, directed countless Christmas programs, and led crafts during Vacation Bible School. Many will remember her as the “coffee lady,” welcoming others to fellowship after church. Karen also volunteered her time at the Good Samaritan Society. Karen found joy in life’s simple pleasures—Saturday morning coffee with the girls, holiday gatherings with family, and shopping, especially during Christmas time. She enjoyed birdwatching, tending flowers, helping on the family farm, and was well known for her delicious brownies. Above all, Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren and loved attending their activities.
Karen is lovingly remembered by her husband, Gary Griebel of Pipestone; her sons, Jeff (Lori “Sal”) Griebel of Pipestone, Mark (Jodee) Griebel of Pipestone, and Paul (Ellen) Griebel of Marshall, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Matt (Victoria Duckworth), Kileey (Austin), Ashley (Ben), Mason, Conner, Samuel, Scott, Gavin, and Harper; and six great-grandchildren, Everly, Evelyn, Marley, Leona, Chloe, and Riley. She is also survived by her sister, Lana (Jerry) Johnson of Litchfield, Minnesota; her brother-in-law, Jim (Paula) Griebel; and sister-in-law, Deeann Griebel. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister-in-law, Deb Griebel.
