Karen Edith Schmidt

Karen Edith Schmidt was born in Springfield, MN on October 9, 1949, to Laverne and Vernette (Jenson) Halvorson.  She lived in Lamberton and then moved back to Springfield until moving to Windom in 2010.  She worked at Valley View Manor in Lamberton and St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield as Housekeeping and Laundry Supervisors.  Karen enjoyed indoor painting, growing plants, music, and decorating her home as she took pride in them.  Spending time with her grandsons - Tyler and Ryan and being with family for gatherings brought her great joy.  She became quite a handywoman and was able to fix and build many things.  Karen also enjoyed going to the lake with her sister Vicki, shopping, eating out at Key Largo in Garvin and The Roadhouse in Wabasso, and traveling to Las Vegas and Branson.

Karen died peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington, MN, at the age of 74.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa (Jay) Klabunde of Windom, grandsons - Tyler and Ryan Leinen of Mankato, siblings - Gary (Marlice) Halvorson of Louisburg, NC, Patricia (Gene) of Avon, SD, Beverly (Dave) Makarrall of Revere, Renee Eichten of Marshall, Richard Halvorson (Peggy Lichy) of Pine River, and Vicki (Rod) Wendt of Comfrey, and sister-in-law Betty Halvorson of Windom.  Karen was preceded in death by her father Laverne Halvorson, mother Vernette Halvorson, brother Donnie Halvorson, husband Larry Knapper, special friend Ron Knakmuhs, and son-in-law Scott Leinen.

A special thank you to Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington for the compassionate care the nurses showed my mother, and the hospitality towards our family to take care of our needs also.

No services will be held at Karen’s request.  Memorials and cards may be sent to her daughter Lisa at 420 16th Street Windom, MN  56101.