1944
Karen
2019
Karen Louise Smith
October 10, 1944 — March 8, 2019
Karen L. Smith, age 74, a life-long Rochester resident, died Friday, March 8, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester - St. Mary's Campus, surrounded by her family.
Karen Louise Schlief was born Oct. 10, 1944 in Rochester to Roy and Phyllis (Chapman) Schlief. She grew up in Rochester and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1962. Karen married Grant Marquardt on Oct. 20, 1962; they were later divorced. She married Jack Smith July 25, 1981; Jack died Apr. 7, 2014. Karen worked for her brother at Bilotti's Restaurant, and Piggly Wiggly Grocery. She worked as a Student Nutrition Manager for the Rochester Public Schools retiring in 2008 after 32 years. Karen enjoyed Horseshoes, travelling, camping, Bingo, Casinos, and social outings with the "Group Therapy Girls". She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Renae (Rich) Pederson of Oak Creek, WI; and Jackie (Mike) Bedtke of Dover, MN; two sons Grant (Dawn Kirkeeng) Marquardt of Rochester; and Randy (Andrea Salomon) Marquardt of San Antonio, TX; nine grandchildren, Ashley Bayer, Corey Pederson, Kaley Pederson, Josh Watson, Courtney Kirkeeng, Mikey Bedtke, Jackson Bedtke, and Levi and Sam Marquardt-Solomon, her great grandson, Zach Siewert, and her sister, Georgia Laures of Rochester. All of her grandchildren were very special to her. Her parents, husband Jack, sister Joan Hernlem, brother Roy Schlief, step-son Bob Smith, step-daughter Leann Pelzel, and grandson Braxton Bedtke preceded her in death.
The funeral service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday at Christ United Methodist Church with Rev. Nancy Wheeler Handlon officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Mahn Family Funeral Home - Rochester Chapel, and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. Friends may share a memory at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.
1624 37th Street NW
Rochester, MN, 55901
400 5th Ave. SW
Rochester, MN, 55902
Karen Louise Schlief was born Oct. 10, 1944 in Rochester to Roy and Phyllis (Chapman) Schlief. She grew up in Rochester and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1962. Karen married Grant Marquardt on Oct. 20, 1962; they were later divorced. She married Jack Smith July 25, 1981; Jack died Apr. 7, 2014. Karen worked for her brother at Bilotti's Restaurant, and Piggly Wiggly Grocery. She worked as a Student Nutrition Manager for the Rochester Public Schools retiring in 2008 after 32 years. Karen enjoyed Horseshoes, travelling, camping, Bingo, Casinos, and social outings with the "Group Therapy Girls". She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Renae (Rich) Pederson of Oak Creek, WI; and Jackie (Mike) Bedtke of Dover, MN; two sons Grant (Dawn Kirkeeng) Marquardt of Rochester; and Randy (Andrea Salomon) Marquardt of San Antonio, TX; nine grandchildren, Ashley Bayer, Corey Pederson, Kaley Pederson, Josh Watson, Courtney Kirkeeng, Mikey Bedtke, Jackson Bedtke, and Levi and Sam Marquardt-Solomon, her great grandson, Zach Siewert, and her sister, Georgia Laures of Rochester. All of her grandchildren were very special to her. Her parents, husband Jack, sister Joan Hernlem, brother Roy Schlief, step-son Bob Smith, step-daughter Leann Pelzel, and grandson Braxton Bedtke preceded her in death.
The funeral service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday at Christ United Methodist Church with Rev. Nancy Wheeler Handlon officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Mahn Family Funeral Home - Rochester Chapel, and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. Friends may share a memory at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Visitation
MAR 12. 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CDT)
Mahn Family Funeral Home, Rochester Chapel1624 37th Street NW
Rochester, MN, 55901
Funeral Service
MAR 13. 11:00 AM (CDT)
Christ United Methodist Church400 5th Ave. SW
Rochester, MN, 55902
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