Karen Marie Klett-Knutson

Karen Marie Schulz (Klett, Knutson)

October 4, 1945 – August 25, 2025

Karen took her last breath peacefully with her spouse Sheldon (Skip) Knutson and family and friends by her side.

She will best be remembered for her love of gardening, her relationship with the Lord, time spent with all those she deeply loved at Ox Lake, and opportunities to be with her family that meant so much.

Karens gardening days extend back to when she lived in Hudson where she grew both vegetables and had multiple flowering garden areas and even a koi pond in the front. She took much pride in her gardening and enjoyed devoting time to giving her garden a lot of hard work and the utmost care. Her home was even once featured on the Hudson Home & Garden tour. Karen's passion for gardening is something that she later shared and enjoyed with Skip both here in MN and in recent years also in Mesa, AZ as they learned together what grows best in each location.

Skip and Karen together loved spending summers in MN where they were both from and have family but then also escaping to AZ in the winters. In AZ they could really enjoy one another and deepen their relationship by spending time on walks, bike rides, hiking, time at the community pool, in worship, and by listening to music at the band shell.

Karens love of the Lord began when she was welcomed into his family at baptism. Since that time her relationship with God has only gotten richer. She cherished her walk with God and daily spent time in prayer. She found great comfort in him and shared his love and word with most others she met.

She is now in Gods arms.

Karen spent some time working at Bethel College as well where she was provided with the opportunity to touch the lives of many young people which was so important and cathartic for her. Karen would lead talks and share her story (and that of her daughter Heathers struggles)in an effort to help guide them on their own life's journey.

Another thing that brought Karen love and comfort was family and friends. She maintained a strong connection over the years and regularly walked with her sister in laws, Karen Johnson and Linda Klett, even up until the week preceding her death. They provided a lot of support and camaraderie for her.

Her friend and previous cleaning business partner Faye Luepke has also been a consistent person in her life and through the years many laughs and tears have been shed in each other's company.

The rest of her treasured family time was spent at Ox Lake (Upadox). Ox Lake holds near and dear memories dating back from when Karen was a child with her parents, brother, and sister up to today (even the last Friday she spent here on earth). Ox Lake provided the peace, calm, and serenity that allowed for the best in each of us and opened the door to so many wonderful memories. I trust most of you reading this have been to Ox Lake and have a tale of your own to tell! The place is magical!

Karen is preceded in death by her former spouse, Stephen Klett, her beloved daughter Heather Klett, her parents (Fred and Lois Schulz), brother John Schulz, and many other family and friends.

Karen will be greatly missed by her current spouse, Sheldon (Skip) Knutson and his family, her sister Lynne Schulz, daughter Stephanie Mendel (Phil, Vivian, and Gage), son Nathan Klett (Sarah, Cora, and Ada), granddaughter Kelsi Klett Weiler, and multiple other people whom Karen loved and that are here still on earth.

As taken from above the kitchen table in the home Karen and Skip shared, "… and he shall be the stability of your times." Isaiah 33:6

The funeral will be held on September 9th, 2025, at Redeeming Love Church 2425 White Bear Ave, North, Maplewood MN 55109 at 11am ,with the visitation preceding one hour before (10 am).