Karen Ann Pirkl

1939 - 2025

Owatonna - Karen Ann Pirkl, age 86, of Owatonna, MN, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, at Benedictine Living Community. She was born on May 13, 1939, in Austin, MN, to Everett and Elvera (Eaker) Correy. Karen grew up in Blooming Prairie, MN, and later graduated from Austin High School.

Karen met Daniel Pirkl at the Terp Ballroom, and they began dating after he visited her at Security Bank in Blooming Prairie, where she worked as a teller. The two were married on August 13, 1960, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Litomysl. Together, they raised five children: Kristine, Mark, Kathy, Matt, and Kari.

Karen enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She encouraged imagination and nurtured a creative spirit in her home. She gave her children the freedom to explore and play which shaped their lives in meaningful ways. Camera in hand, she captured everyday moments of her family, especially her children and their escapades. She enjoyed baking and cooking, often experimenting with new recipes from her collection of cookbooks. Karen knew quiet joy in her flower gardens. She cared for each seedling and bloom, transforming the earth into beauty.

Karen loved connecting with people and continued her career as a bank teller at Owatonna State Bank. She also worked at Edward D. Jones, where she discovered a passion for researching investments. After being diagnosed with ataxia, Karen remained resilient and hopeful. She learned about the condition and dedicated her energy to raising awareness and supporting research efforts. Karen founded the Bob Allison Ataxia Golf Tournament, which raised vital funds for ataxia research at the University of Minnesota. Her commitment and leadership made a lasting impact, and her work continues to inspire those affected by the disease.

Throughout her life, she loved spending time with extended family and her lifelong friends. Karen is survived by her husband of 65 years, Daniel; her children: Kristine Pirkl, Mark (Kirstin) Pirkl, Kathy Waage, Matt (Monica Fry) Pirkl, and Kari (Chade Trupe) McDermott; 11 grandchildren: Dan, Maria, Sebastian, Erin, Maya, Jessica, Allison, Jake, Abby, Kathryn, and Olivia; and one great-grandson, Mannix.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Elvera Correy, and her brother, Ken Correy.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Brick-Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd, Owatonna) and one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Litomysl (9946 SE 24th Ave, Owatonna) with Father Joe Pete presiding.

For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com