The memorial service for Karol Ann Rita Reiff Held will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, at St. Theodore Catholic Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Tim Reker and Deacon Mike Ellis will officiate. Interment will be in St. Theodore Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will also be one hour before the service at the church. Memorials in lieu of flowers are preferred to the Naeve Health Care Foundation, United Way of Freeborn County Foundation or the Albert Lea Art Center.

Karol died peacefully at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester unexpectedly from a cardiac event.

Karol was born July 25, 1946, in Carroll, Iowa, to Albert and Loretta (Staiert) Reiff. She graduated from OLGC School in Fonda, Iowa, and attended St. Mary’s College in Omaha, Neb.

Karol married Leo L. Held on Aug. 13, 1966, at the Our Lady of Good Council Catholic Church in Fonda, Iowa. They had resided in Omaha, Neb., Bird Island, and since 1978, Albert Lea. Karol enjoyed working as a travel agent for 15 years then working with Weight Watchers for 15 years. She loved her volunteer work and especially enjoyed working with United Way, Friends of the Library Bookstore and the Albert Lea Art Center. Karol enjoyed playing in many bridge clubs. She also enjoyed sewing, reading and cooking. Karol was very active in the life of her children and grandchildren. She loved to travel all over the world and United States to visit her children. Karol loved and cherished her family and the lasting relationships she has made with her friends.

Karol is survived by her husband, Leo L. Held, of Albert Lea; four children: Jacque (Jeff) Dillemuth and their children: Simon, Olivia, Gabriel and Malia of Colorado Springs, Colo., Marci (Brad) Bistodeau and their children Kathryn and Madelyn of Anchorage, Alaska, Mickey (Lywanda) Held and their children Riely, Max, Anna and Gabi of Stevens Point, Wis., Angie (Karl) Eggum and their children Maggie and Henry of Albert Lea; siblings: Eleanor (Bud) Lampe, Delores Jaksich, Lois Kurt, Del (Annie) Reiff, Mary Lee O’Connor and Jolene Bristow as well as many nieces and nephews.

Karol is preceded in death by her parents: Albert and Loretta Reiff; brother: Donald Reiff and sister: Marlene Reiff.