Karen Ann Krinke

Karen Ann Krinke, born on August 17, 1936, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to James and Selma (Irene) Machovec, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 22, 2025.

Karen graduated from St. Catherine's College, she started teaching in Mora MN before briefly moving to California with her good friend Carol, where she taught the children of movie stars before returning to Minnesota. Later, Karen became a dedicated second-grade teacher for 39 years, touching the lives of many students. In her leisure time, she was known for her love of shopping and enjoying dining out.

She eventually married Dean, the love of her life, whom she met in Mora, Minnesota. Together, they had six children and she was an active member of their West 7th community, particularly St. James Church.

She was a collector of many things, particularly paper items such as magazines, newspaper clippings, recipes and books. Karen was also known for her enthusiasm in celebrating others' milestones, by sending heartfelt homemade cards. In her later years, Karen joined the community at Boulder Ponds, where she enjoyed crafts, bingo and socializing with her new friends. She will be remembered for her dedication to teaching, the love for her family and friends, and her vibrant personality.

Karen is survived by her loving children: Kristin, Melissa, Barry (Ted) Bougie, Jeffrey (Rebecca), Molly (Rodney) Weber, Timothy (Cheryl), and cherished grandchildren: Andrew (Kayla), Amanda (Brendan) Boyson, Brooke (Charlie) Wille, Matthew, Valerie, and Edward and great-grandchildren William and Violet. She is also survived by her adoring sister Sandra Hite and in-laws, Janelle Evenson, Kathy Fulkerson (Dave), Arlen (Madelyn) Krinke and Carol Krinke. Karen touched many people's lives with her caring ways and will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 53 years, Dean, in-laws Gene and Joan Krinke, Arden Krinke, David Evenson and nieces Cindy Evenson and Danine Fitzgerald.

Service Friday March 7th 11 AM at St. Ambrose of Woodbury, 4125 Woodbury Drive. Visitation two hours prior to the service (9AM to 11AM).

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.