Karen Louise Klinghagen

Karen Louise Klinghagen, age 78, of Willmar, passed away Wednesday, August 12, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. www.petersonbrothers.com

Karen Louise Klinghagen was born on November 19, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was lovingly adopted by Rudy C. and Carol L. Bredeson of Willmar, Minnesota. She was raised in a caring home and graduated from Willmar High School with the Class of 1965. Some of Karen’s happiest childhood memories were made at the family cabin on Green Lake, where she developed a lifelong love of the water and outdoors.

On August 15, 1969, Karen married Dean L. Klinghagen, and together they raised four children. Though their marriage later ended, the family they created remained a cherished part of Karen’s life.

For more than 20 years, Karen enjoyed driving school bus, caring for the children she transported and watching generations of students grow. She took pride in keeping them safe and became a cherished friend to many children and families.

Karen was a gifted and creative woman who loved quilting, sewing, knitting, crafts, plants, and flowers. She especially enjoyed making quilts for her grandchildren when they graduated from high school. These handmade gifts became treasured reminders of her love.

For 35 years, Larry and Karen shared a special friendship and companionship. They enjoyed traveling, visiting family, and making memories together. Larry was “Grandpa Larry” and truly part of the family.

Karen enjoyed the simple things—playing cards with family and friends, caring for her plants, being near the water, and, of course, keeping a hidden stash of chocolate chips close by.

She was independent, creative, spirited, determined, and wonderfully human. Her greatest legacy is the love she had for her family and the memories she created. She took great pride in watching each generation grow, and her family will carry her story—and the many cherished “Grandma Karen” stories—with them always. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Karen is survived by her four children, Pete (Carolyn) Klinghagen, Shawn Klinghagen, Jennifer (Wade) Ericson, and Sheila (Gabe) Brown 11 grandchildren, Austin Klinghagen, Arianna (Aaron) Valiant, Destiny (Alex) Skoglund, Bailey (Jacob) Fink, Lauren (Mitch) Berghuis, Olivia Hagen, Emily Ericson, Marlene Ericson, Tyler Brown, Zach Brown, and Tory Brown; and 12 great-grandchildren, Braylin and Cash Valiant, Sullivan Skoglund, Ellieah, Addalyn and Braxton Fink, Tommy and Mike Berghuis, Gavin Brown, Elise, Evelynn and Paul Haymaker; besides other relatives and many friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John Bredeson, and nieces Robin and Stacey, along with other beloved family members.