"My condolences on your loss. I met Karen through Susan. Karen will always be there for you, watching over you."
In loving memory of
Karen Rae Andresen
May 3, 1959 - May 4, 2018
Karen Rae Bambenek Andresen, age 59, of Minnesota City, died unexpectedly Friday, May 4, 2018 at her home. Karen was born at home in Goodview on May 3, 1959 to Barbara Joan (Longton) and Anthony Valentine Bambenek.
Karen met the love of her life, Frank Andresen, in 1976 through her brother, Roger. Love knows no bounds as Frank walked from MN to Karen's home in Bluff Siding, WI in a snow storm. Karen's family was returning from a trip to Kansas visiting her grandparents; as they laughed at the tracks of the soul who trudged dutifully to get his love, not realizing until later it was Karen's Frank.
Karen attended Cochrane-Fountain City schools, graduating from Winona Senior High School in 1977 and graduated with honors from Winona State University as a recreational therapist while pulling a 4.0 GPA. Karen married Frank in Durand, WI on July 29, 1977. To this marriage they were blessed with two daughters. Later in life Karen discovered the healing arts, she and Frank traveled, making friends as they went, opening Temple Harmonics, a singing bowl, gong and rock shop in Winona and extended her vast circle of friends as she enjoyed interacting with those that visited the shop. Karen had many interests; gardening, drawing and art from her great-aunt Evelyn's hand painted collection. She loved watching the birds that nested right outside her windows and enjoyed watching for eagles, owls and pelicans. She especially loved spending time with her granddaughter, Shawnessy, and listening to her sing. Karen affectionately called her Nana's girl.
Karen was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Raymond and Goldie Longton; paternal grandparents, Anthony and Rose Bambenek; siblings, Raymond and Mary; nephew, Joshua Suhr; mother and father-in-law, Jack and Goldene Andresen; brother-in-laws, Roger (Skip) Andresen and William (Bill) Mardaus; sister-in-law, Mary Skramstead Mardaus; greatly missed paternal aunts and uncles and her beloved pets, Oscar and Harley.
Survivors include her husband, Frank; daughters, Shannon (Dan) Elmore and Stephanie Andresen- (Adam) Stevens; granddaughter, Shawnessy Christina Andresen- Torres; parents, Anthony and Barbara; sister, Susan (Gerald) Suhr, Laurie (Rick) Krause, Antoinette (Randal) Drier, and Jacqueline Bambenek; brother, Roger Bambenek; sister-in-laws, Judy (Bruce) Jorgesen, Cindy (Warren) Niesche, and Ella (Kent) Pavelko; brother-in-law, Michael (Sue) Mardaus; great-aunt, Evelyn Irwin; uncles, Joseph and Gerald Bambenek; Aunt, Pamela (Dean) Larson; many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; numerous cousins, and her beloved dog Zeta.
A Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview. Visitation will be from 6 p.m., until the time of the service. Please leave a memory of Karen and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"Toni, Jackie and all, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Karen so suddenly. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very sad time. Words of her life confirm she was a wonderful, talented and loving woman who will be greatly missed. Marilyn Wicka Ezdon"
"Dear Family, I am so saddened to hear of Karen's passing. I knew Karen from CFC and our families lived near each other. We both worked for a time at the HIllside Fish House. I remember when Karen and Frank were dating and how happy she was! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Virginia Scharmota-Hansen "
"Barb and Tony, sorry for your loss. I remember when Karen was born she was so tiny fit in a shoe box. I was wanting to come but have something else to do tonight. Will be thinking of you all. Gods Blessings to all the family. Bev Egge Klinski"
"Karen was a very sweet person . I met her when Frank played Keyboards in Ontourage & loved the band . Talked to Karen every time the band played in Winona. Got my picture taken with the band. Rode on the float when Ontourage was in the Goodview days float. Frank & Karen have been to my house a few times. She was 1 year ahead of me at Winona Senior High . The last time I saw both of them was Frank's last time playing in Ontourage band. I have both Karen & Frank as facebook friends. She will be missed. RIP Karen"
"Karen and Frank were friends of my sister, but we would all get together. I hadn't known them very long when Karen gave my daughters home-made Pound Puppies that year for Christmas. This very gracious act showed Karen's love for others. May her spirit be forever beautiful and shining brightly."
"Frank and Stephanie, It is weird how families connect but I first knew you, Frank and Karen through my dad, Mike and then Stephanie you married into the Stevens family like I did. It is such a small world that we live in. Please know that Karen is looking down on you and your families and will guide you from above. Deepest Sympathies, Jackie (Miller) Stevens"
"So sorry for your loss! Words can't take away your pain now but memories with help. From Tabitha (Zierfus) Sheehan and family "
"So sorry for your loss may god wrap you up in his arms through this trying time,Rick and Debbie Wieczorek "
"So sorry for your loss may god wrap you up in his arms through this trying time,Rick and Debbie Wieczorek "
"Jackie, our hearts go out to you and your family."
"My condolences and deepest sympathy to you Frank, Shannon and Stephanie and families. Kathy Carlson "
"Stephanie and family, Our condolences to you all at this time. Hold on to those special memories you have all shared and she will always be with you. With our deepest sympathy and love, Terri and Jeff"
"Dear Frank & Family,
Karen and I were friends. Went to C-FC High School and graduated together from WSH in 1977. I have a lot of good memories. It was always nice seeing the two of you. So,let's all hold on to all the special memories we have of this very special lady. I will miss her.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Theresa(Blum)Fedie"
"Karen and Frank picked me up as I was walking down the highway several years ago as I had a car breakdown. As we talked we found out my name was Karen Bambenek and she used to be Karen Bambenek before she got married. I knew her sister, Susan, from St. Mary's Grade School as we were in the same grade. I'm so sorry to hear that Karen passed away. They were so kind to pick up a stranger on the highway only to find out our names were the same. God Bless you all. Love, Karen Bambenek"
"Jackie, So very sorry for your Great loss. God Bless and peace be with you and your Family. Fondly, Jim & Jeanine"