Karen Ann (Bassett) Benz

Karen Ann Benz (Bassett), 83 of Mendota Heights, Minnesota — born on January 13, 1943 to Clinton and Ruth Bassett in Warman, MN — passed away peacefully in the early hours of February 27, 2026 on Marco Island, FL after an awe-inspiring and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Karen is predeceased by her mother and father, Ruth (Haugen) and Clinton Bassett; stepfather, Ralph Johnson; and husband, George Bremer Benz of St. Paul, MN who she married at Midland Hills Country Club on September 30, 1972.

Karen is survived by her sons, George and Theodore (Derek); daughters-in-law Stephanie and Elizabeth; her two grandchildren, Theodore (Finn) and Hendry; sisters Sharon Diessner (Harman) and Nancy Helmbrecht; and brother-in-law Michael Helmbrecht.

After graduating with honors from Mora High School, Karen’s career included working for the FBI as well as Cessna Aircraft Company, where she learned to fly solo after only four hours of instruction. It was at Cessna that she met the love of her life, George. Together, they built a life rooted in love, shared personal and business experiences including becoming the President of Oak Grove Dairy, and a perennial dedication to service.

The countless hours she devoted to philanthropic endeavors across Minnesota were both modest and impactful in the arts, education and sciences. Karen volunteered at Oak Hill Montessori and was a founding Chairman of Mounds Park Academy in St. Paul, instrumental in its inception. She served on the Ordway Performing Arts Center Board of Directors for nine years (1992-2001). She was a board member at Children’s Hospital of St. Paul, Chairman of the Children’s Hospitals and Clinics Foundation, and a founding board member of the Children’s Minnesota Foundation. Alongside husband George, she was a passionate Children’s Hospital Pediatric Neuroscience Center advocate.

Karen loved fishing in Vermillion Bay and sailing the Virgin Islands on their sailboat, Mariah. She and George were avid travelers — having visited all seven continents — and never missed an opportunity to hand-pick gifts for loved ones from their adventures. She was an enthusiastic and skilled golfer while a member of White Bear Yacht Club, Desert Mountain Club and Quintero Golf Club. Her golfing accolades include a Mr. & Mrs. Championship at WBYC. She cherished the gesture of fresh flowers, often sending special occasion bouquets and stunning centerpieces to family and friends. She had a true fondness for gorgeous landscaping as reflected in her time as a St. Paul Garden Club member.

Karen was a treasured Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mom, and friend but her greatest joy in life was her role as “Grandma Karen.” It delighted her that this endearing title was adopted by the many young people she welcomed into her life and treated like family. She was a natural caregiver who was always available for listening, advising, sharing and storytelling — including memories about trophy fish she caught, a successful hunting expedition, an awesome day on a golf course, fun runs on the slopes in Utah, or an anecdote from her boys’ childhood. She was an extraordinary hostess and adored celebrations rich in family traditions. Her infectious laughter

lifted everyone around her and her warm, outgoing nature brightened the lives of all who crossed her path.

Loved and admired by many, Karen leaves behind a legacy of kindness, loyalty, exploration, hope, and deep connection. May she rest in the most beautiful peace.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, 5/29 at 10AM at Church of the Assumption; 51 7th St. W, St. Paul. Visitation to begin at 9AM.

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