A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and dedicated community member passed away on December 12, 2024, at Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul, Minn., after a long and courageous battle with vascular dementia. She was 70 years old.
Karen was born on July 8, 1954, in Chatfield, Minn., to Virginia Mae (Caw) and William Wilbur Kremer. She graduated from Chosen Valley High School and later earned her bachelor of science degree, majoring in Special Education and Teaching from St. Cloud State University. Karen spent nearly 30 years as a special education teacher, touching the lives of countless students with her kindness, patience, and dedication.
In addition to her work as an educator, Karen was passionate about arts and crafts, enjoying many creative projects, and loved spending time outdoors with her family and friends. Her greatest joy was being with her three daughters and four grandsons, who brought her immense pride and happiness.
Karen was also a devoted member of Chatfield United Methodist Church, where she volunteered her time and efforts. One of her lasting legacies is her involvement in founding the church’s food bank, which now serves 45 families every month.
She is survived by her three daughters: Leza Warnke, Sophia (Brian) Feldt and Kate Matanich; four grandsons: Mason, Drake, Elijah and Jax; her sisters Lynn (Bob) Hutton and Kathy (Mark) Simpson; and six nieces that were so loved by the youngest aunt.
She was predeceased by her parents Virginia and William Kremer, and her sister Jean (Bruce) Johnson.
A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2025, a time of renewal and beauty, at a location to be determined.
Karen’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, especially her family, friends and the many lives she touched throughout her life.
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