Karen Johanna Linse, 64, of Blooming Prairie, Minn., passed away Saturday evening, June 11, 2011, at the Prairie Manor Care Center surrounded by her family.

She was born on Dec. 23, 1946, in Austin, to Willard “Bill” and Mary (McAfee) Oihus. Karen grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1964, attended Austin Jr. College for two years and Mankato State, where she earned her bachelor of science degree. She taught elementary school in Faribault for one year and taught elementary school in Blooming Prairie for two years. On June 21, 1969, Karen married Michael Linse in Austin, Minn. The couple moved to Blooming Prairie in 1974. Karen worked at Prairie Manor Care Center for more than 33 years and as an LPN at Prairie Manor since 1992. She enjoyed reading, walking, shopping, stamp collecting and spending time with her precious grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Michael Linse of Blooming Prairie; daughter, Jennifer (Davin) Johnson of Blooming Prairie; son, Jason Linse of Minneapolis; mother, Mary Oihus of Blooming Prairie; two grandchildren, Colby and Riley, and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Willard Oihus; brother, Richard Oihus; cousin, Mark McAfee.

Memorial Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be held at Steele Center Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are preferred to ALS. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.