Karen Lee Quam

Karen Lee Beda Quam, age 86 of Shell Lake passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Dove Healthcare in Rice Lake. She was born June 16, 1939 in Red Wing, MN to Marvin and Gladys (Iverson) Prink.

Karen grew up in the Cannon Falls area, and graduated from Cannon Falls High School in the Class of 1957. On October 30, 1964, she married her husband, Peter Quam at St. Ansgars Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls. They would share many happy years together before his passing in 2024.

Karen spent her early adult years working a short time as a hairstylist in Wayzata, even taking a few modeling classes on the side. Later she would earn her "Stewardess Wings" with Northwest Orient Airlines, for whom she worked as a flight attendant.

Her marriage to Peter eventually brought them to Shell Lake, WI after they took over the Shell Lake and Siren Telephone companies. It was then that she gained her full time position as a homemaker and mother to her two girls, Erika and Rebecca.

As time passed, she leaned into her hobbies staying very active playing tennis, golf, and downhill skiing. She was a member of Salem Lutheran Church, and enjoyed time on the waters of Shell Lake with her family. She had a great love for the many memories created while entertaining in their home.

She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Rebecca (Paul) Marten; grandchildren, Emily, Kayden, and Andrew; siblings, Joan Boos, Sandra (David) Hall, and Steve (Julie) Prink; as well as her nieces, nephews, and large circle of dear friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Peter; daughter, Erika Quam; parents, Marvin and Gladys Prink; parents-in-law, Ben and Margaret Quam; brother-in-laws, Bill Boos, Jimmy Quam, and John Quam; and her sister-in-law, Norma (Buck) Carlstrom.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 1-4 PM at the Shell Lake Community Center.

Interment Shell Lake Cemetery.

Skinner Funeral Home of Shell Lake is serving the family.