Karen Lucille Baker

Click here for the Karen Baker service live stream.

Karen Lucille Baker-Mathews age 79, of Mankato passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Generations Child and Memory Care. 

Memorial Service 11am Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 105 Hosanna Drive, Mankato. Visitation one hour prior to the service and will continue immediately after the service. Memorials may be directed to Moments Hospice or to an organization of the donor’s choice. 

Karen was born on July 29, 1944, in Mankato to Bill and Myrna (Kephart) Baker. She grew up in rural Madison Lake on the family farm and graduated in 1962 from Cleveland Public School. 

On November 28, 1989, she married Ted Kenneth Mathews in Las Vegas, Nevada. They started their life together in North Mankato at which time Karen was working at Mankato State University. She was training in business management and later became the head of building services. A job change took them to Waterford, Michigan where Karen worked at Cranbrook Academy until retirement. Once she retired, they moved back to rural Madison Lake on Lake Jefferson and resided in the home her dad built for her mom.

Karen and her husband, Ken loved to fish and we all looked forward to the family fish fries. Karen also loved to bake and spend time with her family and friends. She enjoyed reading and going for walks with her beloved dog, Annie. Together, Karen and Ken owned K&K Cleaning.

Karen is survived by four children, Mike (Bev) Peters of Eagle Lake, Jim (Jennifer) Peters of Owatonna, Michelle Johnson of North Mankato, Sherry Johnson of Mankato; two step-children, Stacey (Daniel) Williams of North Mankato, Owen (Angie) Mathews of Mayer, Arizona; grandchildren, Alicia (Andy) Quaday, Sara (Matt) Sultze, Bryce Peters, Mackenzie (Arik) Brase, Stephanie Johnson (Alec Thurber), Mitchell (Kassidy) Johnson, Chase Johnson, Jake Johnson (Grace Kranz), Luke Johnson, Tabitha Valenzuela, Megan Mathews, and Allison Mathews; seven great-grandchildren; six siblings, Bill (Joanne) Baker, Cheri (Frank) Kortuem, Steve (Teresa) Baker, Greg Baker, Kevin (Shannon) Baker, Geoff Baker; nieces, nephews and her beloved dog, Annie.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Kenneth Mathews; parents, Myrna and Bill Baker; son-in-law, Paul Johnson; and sister, Nancy Baker.