Obituaries 4 May 2020

Karen J. Theis, 70

Karen J. Theis, age 70 of New Hampton and formerly of Hastings, and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2020 from complications of Lewy Body Dementia at Patty Elwood in Cresco.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at Holy Family Church in New Hampton with Father Brian Dellaert celebrating.
Friends are welcome to join the Theis family for Karen’s graveside service held at noon on Friday, May 8, 2020 at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton.
Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to Holy Family Parish in New Hampton, St. Catherine University, Lewy Body Dementia Association or donor’s choice.
Karen Jean was born February 1, 1950 the eldest daughter of Ralph and Mary Jane (Lynch) Theis in Grinnell. In her early years, her family lived in Brooklyn, before making their home in New Hampton.
Karen was a graduate of New Hampton High School and College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. Following her college education,
Karen worked as an executive secretary at several Twin Cities businesses. After obtaining her paralegal certification, Karen worked at West Publishing (Thomson Reuter’s) for a number of years.
Upon her retirement from corporate life, Karen returned to her roots in New Hampton and opened a Curves franchise location. She was bitten by the travel bug while working in Minnesota, visiting 45 of the 50 U.S. states and exploring far off places such as Austria, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, Australia and Fiji. Her last international trip was with several members of Holy Family Parish to the Vatican City in Rome.
When Karen wasn’t traveling abroad, she spent much of her time at the Theis Family home overlooking Lake Pepin.
Those left to cherish her memories are her sister, Linda (Chrys Gross) Theis of Minneapolis; uncle, Tom (Barbara) Lynch of Edina, Minnesota; and numerous cousins, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Mary Jane (Lynch) Theis.
Special thanks to the caring staff of Country Winds Manor, Cresco and cousins, Kathy and Don Blocker and Pat and Sandy Johnson, for their constant and unwavering love and support for Karen.

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