Karen E. (Wilbert) Neal, age 59, of Ruskin, FL formerly of Big Rapids, MI, passed away July 25 unexpectedly with her husband Michael while out enjoying a morning motorcycle ride. Karen was born January 28, 1952 in Cleveland, OH daughter of Robert and Helen (Wiemels) Wilbert. Karen and her large family of brothers and sisters grew up in Cleveland Ohio and relocated to Central Michigan in the 1960's. Karen was employed by the Big Rapids School System for many years and was also very involved with many community organizations. Karen was a member of the Eagles Aerie #2535 and the AmVets Post #1941, both of Big Rapids. Karen retired with husband Mike to Ruskin FL in 2006, where they joined the Moose Lodge #813 and the Eagles Aerie #4351. They were both active members of the Eagle Riders and the Moose Riders motorcycle clubs. Karen's family and friends will remember her most for her fun-loving carefree attitude towards love and life. She was a free spirit who lived her life to the fullest and passed doing what she loved with the man she loved. She is survived by her two daughters Katherine (Noel) Creel and Rebecca (Michael) Bowyer, stepsons Sean (Kimberly) Newman and Joel Newman, all of Big Rapids; a grandson, Ryder Newman and a granddaughter, Gracie Mehlhorn; five brothers Donald (June) Wilbert, James (Nancy) Wilbert, Kenneth Wilbert, Edward (Shannon) Wilbert, and Raymond Wilbert; her sister, Joan Neal; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Karen was preceded in death by her father Robert Wilbert and mother Helen Wilbert. Karen's chose her final resting place as Mount Mckinley, Alaska, which is home to her twin brother Ken, may she be close to him always. A memorial service will be held for Karen and her husband Michael at 3:00pm on Saturday, August 20 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids, MI, Tobias Neal officiating. The families will greet friends one hour prior to the services. Following the memorial a luncheon is being held at the Big Rapids Eagles Club on 16 Mile Road. Friends and family are asked to attend. Memorial contributions may be made in Karen's name to the Mecosta County Animal Shelter or the Eagles Club #2535 of Big Rapids, MI.