Karen Ann Etzell (nee Goldsmith)

Karen Etzell, 86, died peacefully at home on Oct. 31, 2024, surrounded by her children. “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Karen Ann Etzell was born December 23, 1937 in Austin, MN, to Clarence and Lunetta (Schemmer) Goldsmith. Karen grew up in Mahnomen, MN, and graduated from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul in 1959 with a B.S. in chemistry. She taught at Faribault, MN, before returning to CSC ‘s chemistry department as an assistant professor. Karen married the love of her life, Peter G. Etzell, in June 1960 and they spent the summer honeymooning in Europe. In 1962 they settled in North Mankato and together raised eight children.

Karen was a loving mother who cheered on her children’s sports teams, clapped at dozens of music concerts, praised drama performances, provided supplies for science fairs, and cooked over camp fires.

Karen loved to bake! Cookies, cakes, pies (Apple, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, rhubarb, grasshopper, French silk), banana bread, cinnamon rolls, lemon bars, refrigerator bars, apple crisp, rhubarb scrunch, lefse. Did we mention cookies?

An active parishioner of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Karen volunteered for numerous activities and committees over the decades, culminating in her chairmanship of the parish’s 2000 Jubilee celebration. Karen belonged to the Catholic Council of Women, River of Life Charismatic Renewal, Moms in Prayer, and was a co-founder of the Schola Foundation with Peter and others. She was a vocal pro-life advocate for the unborn. In her daily prayers, Karen was guided by the grace of the Blessed Mother Mary. 

A talented seamstress, Karen made Peter’s suits in the early days, and later, children’s clothing, costumes, prom dresses, and even a wedding dress on her sturdy 1960 Singer sewing machine. An avid baseball fan since 1961, Karen stitched homer-hanky pillows to celebrate the Minnesota Twins twice winning the World Series. 

Karen was a dedicated garage-saler who, with a friendly smile, would negotiate a dollar down to 50 cents. She appreciated the hunt for treasures and visiting with neighbors. 

Karen enjoyed sunsets at the Gull Lake cabin, as well as card games, bingo games, ice cream with the grandkids, and climbing a favorite tree for a better view. In her youth, Karen spent happy summer vacations at White Earth Lake where she fished with her mother and canoed with her brother and friends. 

For 30+ years Karen lovingly and patiently cared for Peter after his diagnosis of Primary Lateral Sclerosis. She was adept at getting his mobility cart into and out of the car, and kept a plate of gingersnaps always within reach. 

Karen is survived by 4 daughters, Anne Gose (Tom), Kate Dale (Jon), Jean Butler (Patrick), and Martha Etzell; 4 sons, Mark Etzell (Nicole), Michael Etzell (Kristi), Matthew Etzell (Holly), and John Etzell (Allyson); 26 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; her brother, Mark Goldsmith (Penny); in-laws Paul (Mary Anne), Gretchen, Mary (Dick) and Martha; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter, who died in 2015. 

Donations in Karen’s honor may be made to VINE Faith in Action (https://vinevolunteers.org/about/giving-opportunities/); or BirthRight of Mankato (330 Stadium Rd., Suite201B, Mankato, 56001). 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at Holy Rosary Church, North Mankato. The family will host a visitation at 10 a.m. and Rosary at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Please share a memory of Karen online at www.mankatomortuary.com.