Karen Apfelbeck

Karen J. Apfelbeck, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on March 5 at her home in Colby. She was the heart and soul of her family, a woman whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.

Karen was born December 25, 1941, the daughter of John and Jeanette (Gebert) Robida. After marrying the love of her life, Andrew, on April 23, 1960, Karen devoted many years to working alongside him in their automotive repair business, all while raising their five children with unwavering love and dedication. Later, she began a career working with handicapped children in Marshfield before transitioning to Black River Industries in Medford, where she continued her passion for helping others by working with handicapped adults. She concluded her career as an office manager at Doine Excavating in Marshfield, where her sharp mind and strong work ethic left a lasting impression.

Karen was fortunate enough to find love a second time when she met Terry Lamoreux. Together, they shared the last 20 years traveling, visiting friends and dancing—cherishing the company of their many friends and family members. Their time together was filled with laughter, adventure and deep companionship, bringing joy to all who surrounded them.

Karen's life was filled with love, adventure and deep faith. She cherished camping trips with extended family, traveling to new places, and dancing to her heart’s content. A homemaker at heart, she had a special gift for making any place feel warm and welcoming with her simple yet magical touch. A truly selfless and loving woman, she always put the needs of others before her own, never hesitating to open her heart and home to anyone who sought her company.

Her strong Catholic faith was a guiding light throughout her life. Born on Christmas Day, she never let her own birthday take precedence over the celebration of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a gracious hostess, always ready with a warm meal, a kind word and a loving embrace. Her boundless energy, generous spirit and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Karen is survived by fiancé, Terry Lamoreux; five children: Jackolyn (Wayne) Thorson, Jill (Randy) Younker, Jay (Brenda) Apfelbeck, Jody (Lori Totzke) Apfelbeck and Jalaine (Jeff) Kellnhofer; two step-children: Randy (Chris) Apfelbeck and Crystal (Perry) Willemsen; nine grandchildren: Jami (John) Miller, Cody (Shanna) Thorson, Tyler Thorson, Jared (Megan Call) Younker, Jenna (Ryan) Fahland, Sierra Apfelbeck, Sydney Apfelbeck, Reggie Kellnhofer and Reece Kellnhofer; five stepgrandchildren: Tiffany (Dave Sertich) Fleury, Tanya (Michael) Okkema, Matthew (Karen) Apfelbeck, Jeremy (Kristina) Apfelbeck and Stephanie (Jim) Halvorson; five greatgrandchildren: Ellieanna, Madelyn and Andrew Miller, Tucker and Sasha Thorson; nine stepgreat- grandchildren: Thea Fleury, Gram Javor, Katelyn Okkema, Jase and Kendall Apfelbeck, Trevor and Dylan Apfelbeck, Cole and Dalton Halvorson: honorary grandchild, Alea Decker; her siblings: Ronald Robida, Gwen Harris and Trude Robida. She is further survived by her fiance’s family: Rick (Sunny) Lamoreux, Mike (Jennifer) Lamoreux, Tracy Lamoreux, Kim (Shane) Tredup, Chris Lamoreux (Vickie Rickard) and Scott (Maggon) Lamoreux; stepgrandchildren: Brandon and Ryan Lamoreux, Ellana, Logann, Nick and Waxon Lamoreux, Lyndsey (Casey) Dougherty, Mitchell and Nathan Lamoreux, Devin, Landin and Layne Everett, Kara and Abby Lamoreux; step-greatgrandchildren: Kaelynn, Brooklyn, Cannon, Jax, Ella, Emerson, Harper and Esdon; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Jeanette Robida; her husband, Andy Apfelbeck; brother, Reginald Robida: a sister-inlaw, Judy Robida; special nephew, Ric Trombly; honorary grandson, Alex Graff and many other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Abbotsford with Father Arockia Amirtha Raj Stanislaus presiding. Visitation with the family was from 9 a.m. until time of the service Monday at the church. The Maurina- Schilling Funeral Home of Abbotsford is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Though she is no longer with us, Karen’s love and legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

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