Karen Ann Kleist

Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Dr.
Mankato, MN 56001
507-388-2202

Karen A. Kleist, age 55, of Mankato, died Friday, January 13, 2012 at her home in Mankato.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Mankato. A time of greeting and celebration of life will follow the service at the church from 12 to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to organizations benefiting children. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Karen was born July 31, 1956 to Thomas and Ruth (Haefner) Schmidt in Mankato. She was united in marriage to Craig Kleist in Mankato on April 30, 1983. Karen was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She enjoyed crafts, scrapbooking, gardening, coloring, spending time with family and playing with her grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her husband of 28 years, Craig of Mankato; daughters, Kelly (Nathaniel) Persons of St. Peter; Sarah Kleist of Mankato; Amanda Kleist of Mankato; grandchildren, Malakai and Elijah Persons of St. Peter; her mother, Ruth Haefner of Mankato; brother and sisters, Randy Schmidt of Omaha; Denise Olivo of Mankato; Paula (Rick) Brooks of North Mankato and her loving dog Abby.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Thomas and father-in-law, Lawrence Kleist.