Karen Lynn Jacobson Owens

Born November 25, 1945 and journeyed to heaven December 17, 2024

Karen, beloved wife, mother, Namba (grandmother), great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away on December 17, 2024 at her home. Karen confronted her battle with cancers with remarkable courage and grace, never losing hope or her sense of humor. She was playing her organ music at church just a week before her passing and recently traveled with her family to Santa Barbara, California for her dream family vacation. She was always giving.

Karen was born on November 25, 1945 and grew up on a farm in Bricelyn, MN as the cherished daughter of Malvin and Ruth Jacobson. She shared her childhood with her two sisters, Jan and Dee, forming life-long bonds filled with love, laughter and beautiful memories. She graduated from Bricelyn High School and earned her nursing degree at Mankato State University.

Her legacy lives on through her two daughters, Jill and Angela, her 8 grandchildren and her treasured great granddaughter. Whether celebrating their achievements, encouraging their dreams, or sharing in their lives, she found so much joy and fulfillment in the people they were becoming. Her pride in them was always evident, and she never missed a chance to remind them how deeply loved and valued they were.

Her marriage to Vern Owens was a beautiful testament of love, partnership, faith and respect. They filled each other with such wonderful appreciation and gratitude. They were each other's constant cheerleaders and supporters of dreams. Her family was the heart of her world and we all felt it.

Beyond her love for family, Karen found joy in music, creating beautiful pieces of cross-stitch, camping and traveling. A devoted nurse, Karen dedicated her life to caring for others with compassion and kindness. She nurtured, mentored and took pride in her work. Karen served as organist at Medford Trinity Lutheran Church for more years than we can recall. She would also play at care facilities as she knew the power of music. Karen's warmth, kindness, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Karen is survived by her adoring husband Vern Owens. Daughters Jill (husband Dick Strodtman), Angela (husband Jesse Fredrickson), step-daughter Annette (husband Curt Hanson). Grandchildren: Madison (husband Nick, daughter Nora), Abby, Brady (children of Jill and Dick); Bersi, Rune (children of Angela and Jesse); Colin, Shannon (children of Paul Owens and Julie Engen); Brennan (and wife Katelyn, son of Annette and Curt). Her sister Jan Peterson and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Dee and brother-in law Dave Hanson, her brother-in-law Jack Peterson.

The family would like to thank the care team of H600 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, the Oncology team in Burnsville and the compassionate care of Brighton Hospice.

Family will receive friends Friday, December 27th, from 11 am to 12 Noon at Trinity Lutheran Church, 102 Third Street SW, Medford, with a Memorial Service to begin at 12 Noon.

Michaelson Funeral Home, 1930 Austin Road, Owatonna, entrusted with arrangements.