Karen Laganiere

Karen Marie Laganiere, 80, died peacefully on July 21, 2023, at the Chatfield Chosen Valley Care Center with her family by her side.

Karen was born on August 5, 1942, in Rushford Minn., to Adolph and Elva (Halverson) Evenson.

Karen married Louis “Louie” Laganiere of Rushford, Minn.,  at the Rushford Lutheran Church on September 19, 1959, and began raising their five children. They were proud of their little ponderosa “Up North” while Louie took pride in fixing and remodeling the home where they chose to settle for 31 years.

Many friends also felt like family throughout her journey of life, she always reminisced about the loving, lasting impressions of the relationships that she never forgot about.

Throughout her working career, Karen did assembly work, bartended and also worked at a bait shop. She enjoyed her happy hour, card games and Facebook to help her keep in touch with family. 

Karen missed her husband deeply and was ready to be reunited with the man she loved for more than 61 years.

Karen will always shine through her whole family who inherited her cute but demanding personality, witty attitude and great sense of humor!

Karen is survived by her five children: Scott Laganiere of Eyota, Minn., Stacy Draper (Jed Johnson) of Mabel, Minn., Patrick Laganiere of Lanesboro, Minn., Todd (Tammy) Laganiere of Dodge Center, Minn., and Jesse (Jen) Laganiere of Rochester, Minn.; 12 grandchildren: Dustin, Jennifer, Lucas, Melody, Misty, Cory, Dylan, Sophia, Coltan, Kiara, Keyan, and Devin; 19 great-grandchildren, one sister, Mavis Littlejohn of La Crosse, Wis.; and by many nieces and nephews.

Karen is preceded in death by her husband Louie Laganiere, her parents, brother Robert Evenson and grandson Cody Laganiere.

Karen will be deeply missed by her family and friends but her memory will live on forever. A special thank you to Chosen Valley Care Center and Seasons Hospice for all the care and love shown to Karen.

A family visitation was held on Monday, July 24. A celebration of life for both Karen and Louie (Joe) will be held at the American Legion in Lanesboro, Minn., on August 12, 2023, from 1-4 p.m. A family graveside service will be set at a later date.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Lanesboro is assisting the Laganiere family with arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com.