Karen Kay Baker

Karen Baker passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, at Mayo Health System in Mankato after a very courageous battle with cancer. She was with her family lovingly by her side as she passed.

Services for Karen will be held on Friday June 20, 2025, at the Morson Ario in Mankato. Visitation from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm followed by prayer service and reception.

Karen was born on February 25th, 1956 in Mankato, Minnesota to Reginald and Elaine Olson. She attended East High School in Mankato and graduated in 1974. She always lived her life to the fullest. She was always on the go, planning her next adventure or gathering. She especially enjoyed winter trips to New Mexico and Arizona, where she loved exploring the desert trails on the side-by-side and soaking in the beauty of the Southwest. She also enjoyed playing cards and cribbage, being on her pontoon, going camping, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she treasured the special “Grandma Days” she spent with her granddaughters. A talented artist, Karen found peace in drawing and took great pleasure in sharing her artwork with others.

Karen had an infectious personality and a laugh that will be remembered and missed by many. She had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever she went, and many of those friendships became lifelong connections.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Tom Baker of Madison Lake; her daughters, Brooke Schmitz of Carver and Kayla (Travis) Braun of Le Center; and her beloved grandchildren: Jack (9), Henry (8), Zoey (6), Hunter (6), and Halle (5). She is also survived by her sisters: Diane Hennis of Mankato, Donna (Jeff) Burgess of North Mankato, and LeAnn (Dennis) of Sioux Falls, SD. In addition, she leaves behind her husband’s large and loving Baker family—seven brothers, three sisters, their spouses, and many nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Reginald and Elaine Olson of Mankato; her in-laws, Joseph and Marcella Baker of Kasota; her brother-in-law, Brian Hennis of Mankato; and her nephew, Jeremy Hennis of Belle Plaine.

Karen's warmth, creativity, and joyful spirit touched everyone she met. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.