Karen Kay Brakel

Karen (Burzlaff) Brakel, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on December 9, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on March 21, 1944, in Wheatland, Wyoming, she was the eldest child of Ella Emily (Jessen) Burzlaff and William Charles Burzlaff.

Karen grew up on her family’s dairy farm, where she learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and helping others. She was a devoted daughter who enjoyed reading, excelled in school, and spent many hours assisting her mother with family meals and daily chores. She cherished her siblings, Russell Burzlaff and Janet Bearden, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories.

After graduating from Wheatland High School, Karen attended Central Business College in Denver and began her career with Stearns-Roger Corporation. In 1965, she met and married the love of her life, John Brakel. Together they lived in Missouri while John served in the military, later settling in Longmont, Colorado, where they built their home and family. They welcomed two sons—Brett and Russell—who became the center of Karen’s world.

Karen dedicated most of her life to raising her family, but she also worked in several roles outside the home. Her roles included a receptionist at her local church, at Neo Data, and with H&R Block. She was known for her kindness, patience, and deep love for those around her. Her family brought her immense joy, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A passionate reader and a woman of strong Lutheran faith. Karen treasured attending services at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Loveland.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ella and William Burzlaff; her husband, John Brakel; and her son, Brett Brakel.

Karen is survived by her son Russell Brakel and his wife Melissa; her grandchildren Kaylynn and Tyler Brakel, Breanna Martinez (Randy) and their two children, Owen and Nico. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Rachel Brakel; grandchildren David , Aaron and Allie Brakel; and honorary grandchildren Andre De Souza (Liza) and Stefanie De Souva. Karen leaves behind her brother Russell Burzlaff; sister Janet Bearden; niece Lori Worland (Steve) and great-nephew Gavin Worland, along with many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Karen will be remembered for her quiet strength, her unwavering love for her family, and the gentle kindness she shared with all who knew her.

Services will be held on December 23, 2025, at Mount Olive Church, 3411 S. Taft Avenue, Loveland, Colorado. Viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m., a luncheon at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Foothills Gardens of Memory, 14241 N. 107th Street, Longmont, Colorado.