Karen Marie Berkner, age 71, of White Bear Lake, MN, passed away October 9th, 2014. She was born October 1St, 1943, in Baldwin, WI, the daughter of Edward and Irmegarde (Braemer) Sather, and was raised there, where she attended Hopyard Elementary prior to graduating in 1961 from Baldwin High School.  She attended U of W River Falls, and furthered her education at St. Paul School of Beauty. Karen worked many years as a beautician in St. Paul before becoming an instructor for 916 Vo-Tech (today Century College). While at River Falls, she met Douglas Berkner, who she married December 6th, 1963, and to this union, children Daniel and Kerry “KayCee” were born.

She enjoyed holiday decorating and the company of family and friends especially during Christmas, playing cards or board games well into the night, time spent at the family cabin on Lake Crystal, and vacationing with Doug. She had eclectic musical taste and fond memories of dancing at the dance hall in Hersey, Wisconsin, and appreciated watching eagles soar at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN.

She will be remembered by her husband, Doug; children Daniel, of Idaho, and KayCee (Charles) Barrette of Houlton, WI; step-grandson Alex; sister Judy (John) Newton of Hammond, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Norma Grundy and Carol (Gordon) Zillmer.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, October 17th, at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI and the memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 18th, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3770 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake, MN, with a visitation one hour prior.  Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, with funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.