Karen I. Herwig

SADDLE RIDGE — Karen I. Herwig, age 73, of Portage, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.

Karen was born on June 12, 1948 to George and Amy (Topham) Horton.  Karen graduated from Portage High School in 1966 and Madison Business College in 1968.  She married Gary Herwig on October 19, 1968.  They have two children, Cory J. Herwig and Kelly J. Herwig.  Karen’s first job out of college was as a secretary at Oscar Mayer.  She then returned here to work at Horton’s Farm Market.  She later went to work at and retire from Columbia County Land Conservation Department.  She and Gary enjoyed winter retirement in Pinellas Park, Florida for 10 years.  Karen was a devoted and loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend.  She loved to crochet, bake and go shopping.

She is survived by her husband, Gary; two children, Cory (Mandi) Herwig of Portage, and Kelly Herwig of Loves Park, Illinois;  two grandchildren, Ben (Tori) Herwig and Marcus Herwig;  her sister, Phyllis (Denny) Woll;  many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 16, 2021 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage, 850 Armstrong St., Portage, with the Rev. Greg Hovland officiating.  Inurnment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage. 

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for the special care given to Karen. 

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.