Karen A. Branger

Karen A. Branger, 75, of Pocahontas, IL, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at home, surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 9, 1951, in Highland, IL, to Paul and Mildren (nee Zobrist) Voegele. On July 15, 1978, she married Wayne L. Branger at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL.

Karen graduated from SIUE with her bachelor’s in early education, then went on to teach in Breese, IL for around 8 years. She had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom with her children for many years while her husband worked hard providing for their family. When Karen decided to go back to work, she started substitute teaching at St. Paul Catholic School and then went on to be a Paraprofessional. Her only granddaughter, Lily, works as a Paraprofessional now for preschool children with special needs.

In her last few days, Karen’s family played her old records that she used to love. She really enjoyed John Denver and played the trumpet growing up and into adulthood. Her very special grandsons, Adam and Matthew, continued their musical talent by playing percussion in band.

Karen bonded with her high school students before she retired. Enough so that she became friends with some, and others she viewed as family after they graduated. She taught all 3 of her children and her nieces and nephews how to fish, which is a skill she learned from her father. Karen was an avid softball player, playing in a league with her sister for a while, and even taught her daughters, Kelly and Jackie, how to play and coached them for many years. She was also the most diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan, having a tattoo to prove it!

A true family woman, Karen was always there for her children whenever they needed her. She will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mildred Voegele; father and mother-in-law, Waldo and Doris Branger; and brother-in-law, James Klaus.

Karen is survived by her husband of 48 years, Wayne Branger, Pocahontas, IL; children, Kelly Branger, Pocahontas, IL, Jaclyn “Jackie” (significant other, Duane “DJ” Dees, Jr.) Poffinbarger, Mattoon, IL, and Michael (fiancé, Vanessa Roennigke) Branger, Highland/Maryville, IL; grandchildren, Adam Eckstein, Matthew Eckstein, and Lilyan Poffinbarger; future step grandchildren, Elayne Roennigke, Cooper Roennigke, and Lyla Roennigke; sister, Carol Klaus; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Highland Knights of Columbus.

Visitation: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, October 29, 2026, 10:00 am, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Pocahontas, IL

Clergy: Fr. Callistus Osiaga

Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Highland, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL