Karen Crowley

Karen Lyn Crowley, 82, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Luther Manor Grand Meadows.
Visitation will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Karen was born on June 3, 1943, in Dubuque, the eldest daughter of Walter Olson and Eleanor May (Redding) Miller. She married Francis Bechen in 1967, and together they raised five children before later divorcing. In 1980, Karen married John Joseph Crowley, with whom she shared many wonderful years.
A proud graduate of the University of Dubuque, Karen earned her degree in Music and Medical Technology. She began her career at Mercy Hospital, where she served as Medical Technology Educational Coordinator before becoming Laboratory Supervisor at Mercy Medical Center. Karen also shared her expertise as an instructor at NICC in Dubuque.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen was a gifted pianist who nurtured a lifelong love of music. She taught piano at Church of the Nativity in her early years and later continued teaching for decades full-time from her home.
Karen found joy in life's simple pleasures-spending time with her devoted husband, Joe, her beloved dogs, children, and grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, needlework, quilting, and gardening. Karen touched many lives through her kindness and her love for teaching music.
Karen is survived by her husband, John Joseph Crowley of Dubuque; her children Dan (Ali) Bechen of Aurora, IL, Darci Bechen of Houston, TX, Scott Bechen of Dubuque, Jeremy (Kate) Bechen of Dubuque, and Todd (Leslie) Bechen of Ankeny, IA; stepchildren Steve Crowley of Bellvue, CO, and Karin (Dan) Hirsch of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Kendyl (Dan) Bundy, Logan, Laela, and Scarlet Mostaert, Ben, Briel, Iris, Taylor, and Kolby Bechen, Danny and Cody Hirsch; and great-grandchildren Caden and Brielle Hirsch; and her sister, Randa Jo Miller of Manchester, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Lynsi Crowley; her stepdaughter, Chris Miller; and her former husband, Francis Bechen.
Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hospice of Dubuque, St. Croix Hospice and Luther Manor Grand Meadows for their compassionate care.