Karen Janzen

The family is directing memorials to the Andreas Cancer Center at Immanuel St. Joseph, Mayo Health System in Mankato, MN Karen Menssen was born on December 20, 1941 at Mountain Lake, MN to Cornelius and Frieda (Grund) Menssen. She received her education at Butterfield Public Schools, graduating in 1960, and she continued her education at Mankato State University. Karen was baptized on February 5, 1943 at Salem Lutheran Church in Comfrey, MN and confirmed in her Faith on March 25, 1956 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in St. James, MN. On November 29, 1969, Karen was united in marriage to Lawrence Janzen at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and they were looking forward to celebrating their 40th anniversary this fall. They made their home and raised their family north of Butterfield, MN. She worked various jobs over the years including as a switch board operator prior to marriage, and for fifteen years at Butterfield Bird Food. She enjoyed her flowers during the summer, playing cards, going out to eat with family, traveling south for the winters, special trips to France and Africa, spending time with family and friends, coffee with her friends and entertaining in her home. Karen was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church Ladies' League, the Watonwan County Farm Bureau Women's Committee and the Butterfield Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter in infancy; 3 brothers, Walter, Leslie and Dennis Menssen; and a brother-in-law, Richard Ebbenga. Karen is survived by her husband, Lawrence Janzen of Butterfield, MN; 3 children and a grandson, Michelle (Jason) Sticken and their son Zachary of Morristown, MN, Lesley Janzen of New York, NY, and Jason Janzen of Madison, WI; a sister, Darlene Ebbenga of Butterfield; 2 brothers, LeRoy (Jennie) Menssen of Estherville, IA and Donald (MaryAnn) Menssen of St. James, MN; 2 sisters-in-law, Helen Menssen of Sherburn, MN and Beverly Menssen of St. James; many other relatives and friends.