Karl W. Christey, 81, Excelsior, MN formerly of Owatonna died on Monday, June 13, 2011, at Golden Living Center, Excelsior, Minnesota. Karl William Christey was born in Dodge Center, Minnesota on July 17, 1929 the son of Sam and Minnie (Engbard) Christey. He graduated from Claremont High School in 1948 and then drove truck for Adolph Anderson. He entered the United States Army and served in Germany as a Military Police Officer after WWII. He was married to Eleanor Spatenka in 1951 and later divorced. In 1954, Karl worked for the City of Owatonna as a police officer and in 1959 became a Minnesota State Highway Patrol where he worked for 30 years. Karl was married to Kathleen Chicos and the couple lived in Excelsior. He was a longtime lobbyist for the Highway Patrol at the State Capital. Karl also was a lifetime and charter member of the Owatonna VFW as well a member of the American Legion. After working as a State Patrol, Karl worked for Inter Tech Technologies in St. Paul. He retired in 2009. Karl is survived by his wife, Kathleen Christey of Excelsior; a son Kevin Christey of Owatonna; a step-son, John (and Mary) Worke of Blooming Prairie; his step grandchildren, Matthew, Madison and Julia Grace Worke; two sisters, Frances (and Eugene) Rassman of Owatonna; Dorothy (and friend Rollie) Jones of Claremont; his former wife, Eleanor Spatenka-Worke of Owatonna; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lawrence. Visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home, Owatonna on Thursday, June 16, 2011 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and also one hour prior to the service in the church. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 17, 2011 at 10:30 AM in Associated Church, Owatonna with Dr. Ron D. Wilson officiating. Interment will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 10:15 AM in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Disabled American Veterans. Visitation: 06/16/2011 16:00 06/16/2011 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service in the church 06/17/2011 10:30