Karen Kay Schlichter, 65, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, with her loving family at her side at Mayo Hospital, St. Marys Campus-Rochester after a brief illness due to complications of diabetes.

Karen was born June 27, 1952, in Lake City, Iowa, to Walter and Bernice Pudenz. She was raised in Rose Creek, Minnesota, and graduated from Rose Creek High School. On April 29, 1972, she married Harold M. Schlichter from Rose Creek. They were married for 45 years and had two children, daughter Michele and son Brandon. She worked for Mayo Clinic Health Systems for 40 years, her last position as Appointment Coordinator in Gynecology, and retired Dec. 31, 2014.

Karen was a loving wife and mother, caring friend and compassionate person. She spent her time, love, and energy with family, cooking, going to soccer games, camping and enjoying her grandchildren. She was the original “Soccer Mom.” Karen’s warmth and friendship has touched many lives and created many lasting memories that will be cherished.

She is survived by her husband, Harold Schlichter of Rochester; two children, Michele (Anthony) Keller of Elgin, Minnesota, and Brandon of Fort Collins, Colorado; two grandchildren, Matthew and Kaylee; siblings, Mary Lee (Terry) Kueper of Rochester, Janet (Ron) Henry of Zumbrota, Minnesota, Glen (Linda) Pudenz of New Lisbon, Wisconsin, and Jay (Lisa) Pudenz of Rose Creek; in-laws, Robert Walerak of Rose Creek and Therese Pudenz of West Salem, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Bernice Pudenz; and siblings, Dale Pudenz and Rosanne (Pudenz) Walerak.

A memorial gathering will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester. There will be a private burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Rose Creek at a later date.

Online Condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.