Karen Louise Carlson Pattison Steffen passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Knute Nelson Care Center at the age of 79. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Barrett. Visitation will be held from 9 – 11 a.m. prior to the service and burial following the service at Barrett Union Cemetery.
Karen was born on May 26, 1939, in Canby, Minnesota, to O.H. (Hub) and Judith (Lundgren) Carlson. She graduated from Barrett High School in 1956, attended IBM school and worked for Western Electric for two and a half years. She moved back to Barrett and was united in marriage to Earl Kenwood (Kenny) Pattison on February 21, 1959.
Throughout their 34 years of marriage they lived on a farm outside of Barrett where they raised their three children, Scott, Jamie and Michelle. Karen was co-owner of JK Ceramics for many years, and worked at the Farm Services Agency. On May 9, 1998, she was married to Wendell Wayne (Wendy) Steffen.
After retiring in 1999, she and Wendy enjoyed spending their winters in Texas. Karen had a passion for crafts ranging from ceramics to woodworking, embroidery to macramé, but her greatest love was quilting. She belonged to several quilting groups in both Minnesota and Texas, including being a member of the Ever Blessed Quilters at Peace Lutheran Church.
She made quilts for under-privileged children and children’s hospitals, and has taught numerous quilting classes. She was recognized by West Central Minnesota Communities Action Inc. for her contributions of quilts for low-income families. Her favorite quote was “When life gives you scraps, make a quilt”.
She will be best remembered by her love of family and her over-abundance of gift giving. She is survived by her husband Wendy Steffen; son Scott (Stephanie) Pattison; daughters Jamie Pattison and Michelle (Craig) Fruth; stepsons Michael (Ronna) Steffen and Kendall (Janice) Steffen; sisters Charlotte (David) Olerud and Janet Vipond; sister-in-law Barbara (William) Little; grandchildren, Darren Pattison, Derek Pattison, Rachael (Jake) Eckhardt, Brianna Pattison, Corey (Danielle) Sorensen, Lindsey Fruth, Lexi Fruth; step-grandchildren Sarah (Andy) Fredman, Josh Steffen, Beth (Tavis) Charles, Cagney Steffen, Lacey Steffen, Joseph Steffen; great grandchildren Mekhi, Amyah, Cameren, Kaidyn, Londyn, Juniper, Olivette, Adrianna, Titus, Asher, Zeke, Silas, and many nieces and nephews. Karen is preceded in death by her parents Hub and Judy Carlson, and her husband Kenny Pattison.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
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