Karen H. Kelly, 70

Karen Kelly, age 70, of Austin, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Karen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Karen was born November 8, 1953, in Austin, Minnesota to Wayne and Patricia Judd. She graduated from Pacelli Senior High School in 1972 where she was active in many sports and enjoyed socializing and attending events. She later attended Riverland Community College in Austin, graduating with an accounting specialist degree. Karen met her husband, Doug, who she adored, in 1971. They were married on May 19, 1979, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin. Karen and Doug were married for 45 wonderful years.

Karen spent most of her working career with the Austin Utilities. She was part of the Austin Utilities family for over 20 years, all in various roles within the accounting department. During her professional career, Karen served on several boards, supporting the local Austin community. She retired in November 2014.

Karen loved spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was an avid supporter of numerous activities that her grandkids took part in including baseball, swimming, dance, piano, band, basketball, and football. Karen was the master organizer – you knew that the party or event would be done well with her in charge! She loved spending time with friends, playing pickle ball, biking, and sitting on patios attempting to solve all the world’s problems. Karen was always ready to help someone at the drop of a hat – a quality that her loved ones will always remember.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Wayne; mother, Patrica; stepmother, Helen Judd; brothers-in-law, Dennis and Larry Kelly; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Barbara Kelly.

Karen is survived by her husband, Doug; children, Kyle (Heidi) Kelly, Amy (Ray) Bissen; grandchildren, Oliver, Alice, Zach, Averi, Isaac and Lauren;  siblings, Tom (Pat) Judd, Randy (Teresa) Judd, Linda (Adam) Weiss, Roger (Denise) Bierlen, Ralph (Margarita) Bierlen, Dan (Janine) Judd; sister-in-law, Ramona Kelly; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at First Congregational Church with the Reverend Kari Jacott officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and also one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota or the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States.

Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary