Karla Jean Ihrke, 71, of Owatonna, died unexpectedly of natural causes, Saturday, September 30, 2023 at her home.

She was born August 18, 1952 in Owatonna, Minnesota the daughter of Martin "Max" and Lorraine (Helms) Ahrens. She grew up on a farm outside of Owatonna and attended country school through the eighth grade. She attended Owatonna High School, graduating with the Class of 1970.

On January 15, 1972, she married Tim Ihrke in Owatonna. The couple made their home in Owatonna where they raised their three sons, Corey, Chris and Cameron.

Karla worked at a number of places including, Owatonna Clinic, Harry Browns, and Washington Elementary. She was very active at the Steele County Free Fair serving as the Superintendent of the Culinary Arts. She loved the fair and did not miss a day.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved attending the events of her sons as they grew up and currently the events of her grandchildren. She was an avid baker and cake decorator and was known by her family for her chocolate chip cookies. She also enjoyed crafts, knitting, cross stitch, watching cooking and baking shows on TV, reading, and loved Alan Jackson's music.

She is survived by her husband, Tim Ihrke of Owatonna; mother, Lorraine Ahrens of Owatonna; sons, Corey (Sara) Ihrke of Owatonna, Chris (Sara) Ihrke of Geneva and Cameron (Darcy) Ihrke of Owatonna; grandchildren, Katie Ihrke, Blake Ihrke, Bailey Ihrke, Bree Ihrke, Christine (Shannon) Sletten, Noah Ihrke, Cas Ihrke, and Mason Ihrke; great-granddaughter, Charlie Sletten; siblings, Suzanne (Jim) Hedeen of Vasa, Brad (Sherry) Ahrens of Claremont, Brian (Lisa) Ahrens of Owatonna, Randy (Becky) Ahrens of Sanger, TX and Marshall (Patty) Ahrens of Owatonna and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Martin "Max" Ahrens and niece, Heather Ahrens.

A Memorial Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna on Friday, October 6th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna on Saturday from 9:30 - 10:30 AM. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Klawiter officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna.

Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or donor's choice.