Karen Hannemann

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*Updated livestream information available (see below).

Karen Elaine Hannemann passed away on March 20, the first day of spring, which is appropriate for her new and eternal life. She was born on November 22, 1949 in Sioux Falls, SD. She was preceded in death by parents, Art and Avis Curtis and by son, Kyle. She is survived by husband of 50 years, Ken (he was always Brad to her), daughter, Kristin Garrett (Darren), her grandchildren, the light of her life, Will and Ava, brother, Ron (Carla) and cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews.

She graduated from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD in 1970 with a BS degree in Home Economics Education and a minor in Early Childhood. As it turned out, she ended up using her minor in Child Development almost exclusively.

Karen had a passion and true gift for working with young children as shown in her career and volunteer work. She taught pre-school for many years, provided childcare in her home, taught Special Needs Sunday School, and fell in love with the children at the Sandy Bay Lighthouse Ministry Children’s Home in Roatan, Honduras during several mission trips. While these roles brought her much joy, the one she treasured the most was that of Grandma!

She loved to travel both in the states with their RV and also abroad. They were able to visit 47 of the 50 states in their RV. She enjoyed many family camping trips and was the vacation planner extraordinaire. She was blessed to be able to complete her “bucket list” trips to France and Italy just prior to the pandemic. A highlight of the trip was to visit her “French son,” David, who had been an exchange student and lived with her family while in high school.

Her faith was very important to her, as were family and friends. She had a way of connecting with people and always had enough love for everyone. She gave the best hugs! She was a good and faithful servant, as well – a true believer, active in Via de Cristo, TEC (Teens Encounter Christ), helping with VBS and leading Bible Studies at her church.

Throughout the years she has enjoyed other interests: reading, scrapbooking, sewing, being a Mary Kay consultant and various phases of collecting Precious Moments figurines, bells and tea cups.

She wants all who knew and loved her to celebrate her “homecoming” into the arms of her Lord.

Memorial service will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 14107 Hudson Road S, Afton, MN.  Walk through visitation will be Friday, March 26, 2021 from 4-7 pm at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 -80th Street S, Cottage Grove and also one hour prior to the service at church.  Interment will be held at Cottage Grove Cemetery.  Masks and social distancing will be REQUIRED at both locations.

Memorials are preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice or Sandy Bay Lighthouse Ministries.

* The memorial service for Karen will be available via livestream on Saturday, March 27 at 1:00 pm at sov.online.church .