Karen Paulson

Karen Patricia (Osborne) Paulson passed away on November 28, 2021, holding the hands of her loved ones, at home.  After several years of declining health, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now free of pain and already playing a game of cards in heaven, with her loyal kitty, Amber, on her lap.

Visitation will be from 5-7p.m., Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Dr., in North Mankato.  Funeral Mass will be at 5:00p.m., Friday, December 3, 2021 at All Saints Catholic Church in Madison Lake.  A private burial will be held at a later date. Donations made in lieu of flowers will be used to honor one of grandma’s favorite organizations, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Livestreaming will be available at www.as-ic.org.

Our grandma was born September 21, 1939 to Raymond and Mary (McMullen) Osborne in Madelia, Minnesota. She was united in marriage to JerRay Paulson on November 22, 1958.  Together, they resided in Eagle Lake. Karen moved to Madison Lake in 2003, where she was fortunate to share a home with family.  This allowed her the ability to continue living life and making memories up until her last moments here on earth.

Karen was the beloved mother to three children, Jodi Sheppard, Craig (Ann) Paulson, and Troy Paulson;  longtime companion to Jim Riese for 45 years;  loving sister to Kay Hippert;  dedicated grandmother of ten grandchildren, Logan (Jenna) Sheppard, Trevan Sheppard, Grant Paulson, Nick (Rose) Paulson, Heather (Kody) Paulson, Ryan Paulson, Kristin Paulson, Katie (Isaac) Paulson, Kylie (Nick) Paulson, and Kristy Paulson; proud great grandmother of seven great grandchildren, Blake, Makenzie, Sadie, Bo, Kruz, Kannon, and Carter; and  further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Grandma was a strong, determined, resilient, and fiercely independent woman.  She enjoyed bonfires at the lake, a cold mich light, gambling at the casino, and spending quality time with her countless family and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Mary; husband, JerRay; son-in-law, Danny Sheppard; infant grandson, Justin Sheppard; and siblings, Eileen, Bill, Marilyn, Margie, Vivian, Eugene, and Claire. 

A special thanks to doctors, nurses, and the Mayo Clinic Hospice “East Team” who provided invaluable care over the past few years.

We love you and will miss you so much, grandma.