Karen J Melby

Northview North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, Minnesota 56002
507-388-2288

Karen J. Melby, age 69, of Mankato died Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at Northview North Mankato Mortuary with Reverend Paul Rider officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Northview North Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Karen Jane was born February 14, 1943 to Richard D. and Janet B. (Vosburg) Hennager in Mankato. Growing up she attended school and graduated from Good Counsel High School in Mankato. Following graduation she attended Nursing School in Minneapolis where she received her degree.

On June 8, 1963 she was united in marriage to Jerome O. Melby at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato. Together they were blessed with four children: Scott, James, Jennifer and Sarah.

Karen was employed as a nurse for many years at the C.A.R.E Unit at the Minnesota State Hospital. She also worked in St. Paul and at the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center. Karen shared her talent of crocheting by making blankets, which were known as "Blankets by Baba". She was known for her wonderful cooking and sense of humor. Karen was an avid reader and had a passion for animals, especially her dogs: Rockford, Cleo, Jamie and Harley. Family was most important to her and her greatest joys were her grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Scott (Carmen) Melby, James (Cheryl) Melby, Jennifer Melby, and Sarah (Stacey) Karels; grandchildren: Caleb, Broderic, Lucas, William, Michael, and Mikhyla; other extended family and many friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband on June 14, 2000; her parents; and step-father, James Reichel.