Karen Yaeger

1944 - 2023

KAREN K. YAEGER Karen K. Yaeger, 78, of Sleepy Eye died on February 14, 2023, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. Karen Kay (Mathiowetz) Yaeger, the daughter of Alfred and Mary (Reiniger) Mathiowetz, was born December 4, 1944, in New Ulm. She grew up on a farm near Comfrey and following high school graduation, she attended Rasmussen Business College in Mankato. In her early twenties, Karen married Richard Yaeger and they moved to Japan while he was stationed there in the military service. While there, their beloved daughter Tiffany was born. After the service, they moved to California where Karen was actively involved in the real estate business for many years. She then moved to Texas to be near her daughter and grandchildren. There, she worked as a mortgage underwriter until retirement. Not one to sit still, Karen's outgoing personality and love of people were a perfect fit as an Uber driver in the Dallas area, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. Having high standards, in addition to being a little particular and tenacious, is how Karen lived her life along with having great care and concern for her family and friends. Karen was a "California girl" at heart. She shared her love of fashion and beauty with Tiffany, who was not only her daughter but also her best friend. They shared so much together and had the best time doing it. When Tiffany died, Karen was blessed to help raise her two grandchildren whom she loved and cherished dearly. Her greatest enjoyment was caring for Taylor and Tori and attending the many activities they were involved in. In September of 2021, Karen moved to Sleepy Eye and enjoyed playing Canasta and Pinochle with family. Karen is survived by her grandchildren, Taylor Yaeger-Colbert of Dallas, Texas and Victoria (Tori) Yaeger-Colbert of Allen, Texas; sisters, Debbie (Duane) Distad of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Judy Kunkel of Sleepy Eye; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Tiffany Yaeger; brother, Curtis Mathiowetz; sister, Arlyce Lee; and brothers-in-law, Robert Kunkel and Richard Ludewig.