Karen Kay Riesberg

Karen Kay Riesberg, age 70, of Crofton, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at home, surrounded by her loved ones, after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Funeral services are 11:00 AM, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Yankton, South Dakota with Reverend Dani Jo Bierwagen officiating. The funeral will be live streamed and can be viewed at www.facebook.com/WintzRay. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, on Tuesday, June 3 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a prayer service at 7:30 PM. After the funeral, cremation will take place and a private family burial will be held at the Beaver View Cemetery in rural Crofton at a later date.

Karen was born on October 7, 1954, in Creighton, Nebraska, and was the daughter of William D. and Dorothy (Prischmann) Henes. She attended Creighton Public Schools and graduated in 1972. On May 23, 1987, she was united in marriage to Dale P. Riesberg at Sacred Heart Church. With this union, she became a loving stepmother to Dale’s sons, Patrick and Douglas, and later, together, they welcomed a daughter, Danielle.

Karen was a lifelong resident of Knox County and worked faithfully for 40 years as the Clerk of the District Court. She was known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to public service.

Outside of work, Karen found great joy in making beautiful flower arrangements, bird watching, and crafting handmade greeting cards. Her creativity and eye for beauty shone through in each of these hobbies, especially in the heartfelt cards she lovingly made for family and friends.

She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a woman of quiet strength and enduring faith. She found deep joy in caring for her family and home and was immensely proud of both.

Karen is survived by her husband, Dale; her children: Pat (Amy) Riesberg of Wayne, NE, Doug Riesberg of Norfolk, NE and Dani (Nick) Banaszak of Crofton, NE; her beloved grandchildren: Logan, Peyton, and Royce; and her brother, Gene (Jean) Henes of Creighton, NE.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Dorothy Henes.

Karen will be remembered for her warm heart, gentle spirit, and the deep love she held for her family. Her legacy of kindness, creativity, and quiet strength will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.