Karen Kassuelke

Karen Mae Kassuelke, age 53, of North Mankato, died Friday, August 20, 2004 at her home.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday at Mankato Mortuary and one hour prior to services.

Karen was born January 10, 1951 in Mountain Lake to Franklin and Myrtle (Tonneson) Ratzlaff. She graduated from Mountain Lake High School, attended Mankato Technical School, and was furthering her education via an online program. On September 3, 1972, she was married to Douglas Kassuelke in Sibley Park, Mankato. Throughout their marriage of 12 years, they had two children. Karen worked for the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter for over 22 years. She was active in the American Legion 518 Auxiliary and the DFL political party. Karens friends were a big part of her life and she enjoyed stain glass, gardening, and was environmentally friendly.

Survivors include her two children, Dewey and Lauren Kassuelke of North Mankato; friend, Gary Mace of St. Clair; four siblings, Kathy (Ernie) Zinke of North Mankato, Karol (Roger) Milbrath of Owatonna, Phylis (Stephen) Campbell of Rochester, Robert Ratzlaff of Kasota; aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Paul.