Karen Grintjes, 79
February 6, 1946 — January 12, 2026
Canton, Ohio- Karen Faye Punzel Grintjes, age 79, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026. She was born on February 6, 1946, in Watertown, Wisconsin, to Frederick Punzel and Phyllis Pester Punzel. On July 23, 1966, she married William Grintjes, and together they shared many years of love, partnership, and cherished interests that shaped a life well lived.
Karen resided in Tupelo for 32 years, where she built a life marked by dedication, faith, and quiet passion. She worked proudly as an Accountant for BancorpSouth for 15 years and was respected for her diligence, reliability, and strong work ethic.
A woman of deep faith, Karen was a devoted member of Moravian Church in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, where she faithfully served as a Deacon alongside her late husband. Her faith guided the way she cared for and served others. Karen found joy in gardening, especially tending to her beloved roses, and she shared a lifelong enthusiasm for auto sports with her husband, an interest that brought her great happiness and connection throughout the years.
She is survived by her daughter, Dianna Goodrich of Canton, Ohio; grandchildren, Gretchen Juron (Ben) of Tunica, and Zachary Goodrich (Angela Payne) of San Antonio, Texas, their father, Robert Goodrich (Trisha Parker) of Macclenny, Florida, Marti Goodrich-Hill (Aaron Kasler) of Canton, Ohio, Erin Durthe (James) of Kalkaska, Michigan, Crystal Eid of Donaldson, Iowa, and Jay Eid of Donaldson, Iowa; great-grandchild, Robert Willem Goodrich Payne of San Antonio, Texas; siblings, Claudia Schmidt (Ron) of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, and Bonnie Fredine of New Holstein, Wisconsin.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Grintjes; and her parents, Frederick and Phyllis Punzel.
Visitation will be 12 p.m. until service time Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Pegues, Tupelo.
Services honoring her life will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues. A graveside service will follow at Gilvo Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Pegues Funeral Directors – Tupelo
535 W Jefferson St, Tupelo, MS 38804
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Funeral Service
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues






