Karen Sue Rheinschmidt, 60, of Cape Coral, Fla. and formerly of Burlington, Iowa, died suddenly at her home on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 2:50 p.m. Eastern time.
Mrs. Rheinschmidt was born in Davenport, Iowa to Rosemond Forberger on Aug. 10, 1965, and lived in Iowa in her youth before moving to Florida to be closer to family. She married Daniel W. Rheinschmidt of West Burlington, on a beach Aug. 1, 1986 in Ft. Myers, Fla. The couple lived in the Ft. Myers and Cape Coral area where they worked and raised a family.
Karen and Daniel have two children, Branden (Brandy) Rheinschmidt of Charlotte, N.C, and Heather Rheinschmidt, of Cape Coral. They also have two grandchildren Kyle and Daniel Rheinschmidt, both of Cape Coral.
Karen worked three decades for Dekoron Unitherm of Cape Coral as a benefits administrator. She went to Burlington High School graduating in 1983, and then graduated from Southeastern Community College with an associate’s degree.
Her passion was her family and that remained her focus throughout her life. She enjoyed going to beaches, playing slots at casinos, and working with ACT Inc. (Abuse Counseling and Treatment) centers in Fort Myers, where she, Daniel, and the family helped give children in need special Christmas celebrations and memories.
She also had a special love/hate relationship with the family Australian Shepherd, Gizmo – mostly love.
Karen didn’t favor the fancy or extravagant, but yearned for the sentimental moments of family, and homemade gifts from her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, children, and grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters: Julie Ingersoll, Susan Smith, and Cindy Smith; and one brother William Bragg.
She was preceded in death by her mother, one sister Laura Caraotta, and two brothers Arnold Smith and Bob Smith.
Services will be begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 at the Cape Christian Church Chapel, 2110 Chiquita Blvd, Cape Coral.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ACT Inc. at the following link: https://actabuse.com.
Mullins & Curtis Funeral Home of Cape Coral is in charge of arrangements.
