Karen Pieper

December 3, 1941 — August 16, 2020

As a result of current restrictions on gatherings, we are providing HeartStrings, our online sympathy message where you can upload a photo and write a note or share a memory that will be printed and given to the family. Please click here to send your support.

Karen Ann Pieper, age 78, of Cottage Grove, passed away on August 16, 2020.

Karen Ann Pieper, the daughter of Henry and Ethel (Berg) Holm was born December 3, 1941 in Dawson, Minnesota. She was the eldest of three children as she had a younger sister and brother. She grew up in rural Dawson area where she graduated high school in June 1959. Karen, a farm girl at heart, ventured off on her own to the Twin Cities where she met Donald Pieper, a charming city slicker at cosmetology school. "Donny" swept her off her feet, and they married February 4, 1961 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyd, Minnesota.

She worked as a secretary for a police department for a few years before transitioning to insurance, where she ultimately retired after many years employed by Farm Bureau. She was a mother of three, and was actively involved in all their activities (sports, choir, band, principal's office, etc.). She was loved and adored by all her kids friends, and was always considered their "second mom." As she was blessed with grandchildren, her tradition of involvement and participation continued. Rarely did "Gma" miss an event. She was overjoyed to spend time with her great-grandchildren, despite wishing she had more time with them. Family meant the world to her, and she loved and cherished everyone deeply.

In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, word puzzles, bowling, game shows and the Minnesota Vikings! She was confident they'd win a Super Bowl in her lifetime and she often joked (and bet) her sister who'd been converted to a Packer fan by her husband. Let's pray the Vikings do it this year for Ma / Gma!

She is preceded in death by parents, Henry and Ethel Holm; step-mother, Gladys Holm; sister, Janice (Jerry) Goeman; nephew, Mark Goeman.

Karen is survived by her husband, Don; children, Ron, Kevin (Terry) and Shelley (Melvin) Pieper-Reynolds; grandchildren, Anthony (Gabrielle), Jeremy (Laura), Christian, Brenden, Muriel, David and Nicholas; great-grandchildren, Trinity, Anthony Jr., Damian, Jeremy Jr., Jeremiah, Kane, and Xander; brother, Jimmy (Patty); niece, Kim; nephews, Michael (Teresa), Jason (Kim).

Visitation 11-12 PM, Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80 ^th St S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Graveside service to follow at 12:15 PM at Cottage Grove Cemetery.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to accommodate gatherings while abiding to a 50 people capacity at the facility. The use of face masks by attendees is required at indoor events, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep your families safe. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available on the obituary portion on our website. We also encourage you to view the video tribute once it becomes available or complete the HeartStrings online sympathy page with the link above.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Karen Pieper, please visit our flower store.

Send a Card

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

Kok Funeral Home - Cottage Grove

7676 80th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016

Get Directions Plant Trees

Graveside Service

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Starts at 12:15 pm (Central time)

Cottage Grove Cemetery

10999 70th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016