Karen Gwinn Barger, 72, of Beloit, WI, died Friday, March 29, 2013 in the UW Hospital, Madison, WI surrounded by her loving family.

She was born February 17, 1941 in New York City, NY, the daughter of Russell and Marion Swope Gwinn. Karen was a graduate of the Columbia School of Nursing and received her Master's degree in Nursing from Georgia State University.

Karen was a community home health nurse and formerly taught at the Georgia Southern University School of Nursing. She continued to teach nursing skills thru her entire life. She was very involved in the Second Congregational Church where she taught Christian Education, Vacation Bible School, was coordinator of the church photo directory, and reinstated the Thursday Evening Women's Circle at the church. Karen was a member of the Attic Quilts craft group.

Karen's love for her grandchildren was the center of her life.

Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia Reverend Doug Gray of Beloit, WI and their children, Morgan, Hannah, and Caleb Gray; son, Paul Vanessa Barger of Savannah, GA and their twins, Harrison and Jackson Barger; sister, Kathryn Wadsworth of Bar Harbor, ME; niece, Cyndi Chris Stein of Austin, TX; nephew, Ken Linda Perrin of Ellsworth, ME.

She was predeceased by her parents.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at Greenwich Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in her name to the United Church of Beloit Christian Education Program, 657 Bluff Street, Beloit, WI.