Karen M. Klaseus

life story

Intelligent, generous, and attractive with a good sense of humor, Karen fought for justice, fairness & equity. A complex person whose addictions often got the best of her, eroding her health & relationships.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

Please Join us June 10 in Mankato, MN.

Klaseus, Karen M., age 71, of St. Paul, MN, formerly of New Hope, Minneapolis, and Mankato, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The long-time Twin Cities area resident died very suddenly of a hemorrhagic stroke. Karen has had many health challenges over the years. Special thanks to the care givers at North Memorial Hospital, all of Karen’s doctors and the administrative and care staffs of Good Samaritan Society – Ambassador, Robbinsdale, and Maplewood, as well as North Ridge, Catholic Eldercare and Wabasso Rehabilitation and Wellness Center where Karen has resided on/off for the last ten years.

She was preceded in death by her former husband, Caleb Wright, in 2017; parents, Matt J. Klaseus in 1987 and Marian J. Klaseus in 2013; brother, John Henry Klaseus in 1948; and her great niece Mila Dumont in July 2011. She is survived by her former husband, Craig Nygaard (Kristi) of Plymouth, MN; son, Troy Nygaard (Jennifer) of Maple Grove, MN; daughter, Natalie Wright Bedward (Nick Bedward) of Central Islip, NY; and four granddaughters: Kyla and Elsy Nygaard, Maple Grove, MN, and Zahrina and Issara Bedward, Central Islip, NY. Karen is also survived by her sisters, Sue Klaseus of Minneapolis, and Kathy (Jeff) Nelson of Crystal, MN, plus many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, care givers and extended family/friends, and her beloved doggie, Gypsy.

After going to elementary and junior high at Franklin School in Mankato, the family moved to New Hope, MN, where Karen was part of the first graduating class of Robbinsdale Armstrong High School, Plymouth, MN, in 1971. She worked for Falconer Dry Cleaner’s, various advertising agencies, and the Carlson Companies, before going to work in 1984 as Minneapolis Council Woman Sandra Hillary’s chief of staff. Karen was a tireless campaign worker for the MN DFL and supported many causes over the years with then husband, Caleb Wright. Sandy, Karen, and their staff worked diligently for housing, crime and pollution issues as well as protecting the property values of the elderly and providing parks and activities for children. When Sandra became a Hennepin County Commissioner in 1992, Karen moved with her to the County where she worked as Sandy’s chief administrative aide. At the County, they initiated/supported social and human services programs, such as foster care, detox, and welfare reform. Karen retired in 1994.

Karen once loved to bowl, fish, spend time at their lake home, downhill ski, water ski, and periodically, visit a casino. More recently, she loved to shop online, chat with her New York granddaughters, decorate for the holidays, order and arrange flowers, watch T.V. crime and news shows, and grow plants. She was a strong advocate for animal rights and supported several pet adoption efforts. Karen was afflicted with chronic alcoholism, mental health challenges and smoking addiction that plagued her most of her adult life. She also was in recovery from domestic abuse. She had numerous health problems and became disabled early in life. She suffered through relapses, physical pain, and numerous surgeries for broken bones, etc. The good news is that Karen kept trying recovery programs on/off over the years. She was a friend of Bill W. Post-Covid, she gained new online friends in recovery, many of whom recently celebrated her 30 days of sobriety. We know Karen is now at peace, pain-free, and joyously reuniting with her loved ones who have gone before her. Rest in peace, dear Karen.

memorial service

Karen's funeral/memorial service

June 10, 2024

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church 105 N 5th St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA

There will be no pre-visitation. After mass, we will process to Calvary Cemetery for Karen's interment/graveside prayers. A 12:30 p.m. luncheon and time of further sharing and reflection will follow at Jesuit Hall back at SS Peter and Paul Church.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services