Karen Ann Zander passed away at Methodist Hospital of St. Louis Park, on November 10, 2015.
Karen Ann (Schmalz) Zander, age 64, of St. Louis Park, passed away on November 10, 2015 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN after a nearly two year long battle with ovarian cancer.
She was born May 30, 1951 in Clarkfield, MN to Alois (Ollie) and Hilda (Schwartz) Schmalz. She was baptized on June 17, 1951 in Clarkfield, MN and confirmed in the christian faith on April 24, 1966.
Karen grew up in Cosmos, MN and graduated from Cosmos High School with the class of 1969. She continued her education by attending vocational schooling.
Karen was united in marriage to Harvey Bernard Zander on November 23, 1985 at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos, MN. Harvey and Karen made their home in St. Louis Park, MN.
Karen was employed at General Mills in the Business Information Center (BIC) until her retirement on November 29, 2011.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ollie and Hilda Schmalz and one brother, Keith Schmalz, grandparents, and brother- in- law Leland (Sonny) Pettit.
Karen spent countless hours knitting. Karen was involved in numerous knitting and stitching groups. She made many helmet liners for the troops , chemo caps and gifts for her grandchildren and family. She truly was given a gift and enjoyed every moment. She also enjoyed quilting, crocheting and sewing. When Harvey and Karen were married, she sewed her wedding dress.
Harvey and Karen were very passionate about the trucking industry. They have spent many hours over the years volunteering in classrooms, informing kids and the community about the trucking industry and safety. They held drivers education classes in schools around the Wright County area including Buffalo, Dassel-Cokato, Howard Lake Waverly-Winsted and St. Michael-Albertville. Harvey and Karen traveled around the country exhibiting their semi, “Icy Blu 2″, in numerous truck shows earning many awards. They were also part of a program called “Trucker Buddy”/Pen Pal school program in which they helped educate and mentor schoolchildren via a pen pal relationship between professional truck drivers and children in grades K-8.. Every week they would share news about their travels with their class. Once a month, students write letters to their drivers. Students’ skills in reading, writing, geography, mathematics, social studies, and history are enhanced and learning is fun.
She was the Secretary/Treasurer for a Friday night bowling league at the Medina Entertainment Center for over 20 years.
Recently, Karen spent many hours working on family genealogy for many family members.
Over the past 3 years, Karen was involved in MOCA (Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance) raising money to help fund research programs in finding a cure for ovarian cancer. Her granddaughter, Rebecca and friends were involved in a 10K and ran in honor of Grandma Karen.
During the summer months in the last few years, Karen and Harvey found relaxation at Codger’s Cove Camp Ground in Howard Lake. They enjoyed spending time with friends and family on the pontoon visiting and of course knitting.
She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Karen is survived by husband Harvey Zander of St. Louis Park, son and daughter in law Quay and Nancy Zander of Waverly, grandchildren Rebecca Zander of St. Cloud and Jacob Zander of Crookston, brother and sister in law Curt and Barbara Schmalz of Buffalo, MN, and brother Ken Schmalz of Thief River Falls, MN, sisters and brothers in law Dorris and Heinrich VonMende of Brooklyn Center, Harlan and Jonae Zander of Howard Lake and Arlo and Susan Zander of North Mankato. She is further survived by many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held on Monday, November 16th at St. John’s Lutheran church in Howard Lake, at 10:30 am with Pastor Paul Koch officiating. A wake was held on Sunday, at the Swanson Peterson Funeral home in Howard Lake.
Pallbearers were grand children Rebecca and Jacob Zander, nephews Chad Schmalz, Alexander Bauers, Jeremiah Bauers, and friend Alex Mages. Honorary pallbearer was Tatum Rae Zander.
Funeral Service: 10:30 AM Monday, November 16, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Howard Lake, Minnesota
Visitation: 4-8 PM Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home, Howard Lake, Minnesota
Prayer Service: 7:30 PM Sunday at the Funeral Home
Interment: Howard Lake Cemetery