Karen J Riley

Karen J. Riley, 71, of Sparta, died Friday, March 31, 2017 at Black River Memorial Hospital, Black River Falls. She was born August 22, 1945 to John and Elda (Selbrede) Baumbach in Sparta, WI. Karen grew up in the Sparta area and graduated from Sparta High School with the class of 1963.

She married Byron Riley on December 30, 1972 in Sparta. Byron preceded her in death on May 5, 2007. Following high school, Karen worked at Ft. McCoy doing various jobs (cold and dry storage). She then worked as a mail carrier for over 15 years in the Bangor/Rockland area, until her retirement in 2007. She and Byron enjoyed camping in Hatfield and other various locations. Karen loved spending time with her family and friends and could be found frequenting the Sparta VFW, the Sparta American Legion, and the Foxhole Pub.

Karen is survived by her two children, Brent Riley and Donikka Riley, both of Sparta; 7 grandchildren: Wade Riley, Brandon Riley, Emilea Knapp, Wyatt Riley, Zackary Knapp, Dawson Riley, and Evyn Riley, all of Sparta. She is further survived by her 3 siblings, Joyce (James) Dyrud; Clifford Baumbach; and Gary Baumbach; her sister-in-law, Andrea (Wesley) Derauf; brothers-in-law, Steven (Roberta) Riley; and Alan (Becky) Riley; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Byron; parents, John and Elda; a brother, Jack Baumbach; and a sister- in- law, Lucy Baumbach.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, at the Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, with Rev. Randy Williamson officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta.

Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday, from 11 a.m. until the time of services. Online condolences may be offered to Karen’s family at www.schanhoferfh.com.

The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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