Karen Nyenhuis, 1957-2018

Published 1:00 am Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Funeral services for Karen Marie (Pacovsky) Nyenhuis, 60, of Albert Lea will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church. The Rev. Kurt Farrell will officiate. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church Saturday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Karen Nyenhuis

Karen died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, at her home.

Karen Marie (Pacovsky) Nyenhuis was born July 5, 1957, to Joe and Elsie (Kycek) Pacovsky. She grew up with her two older sisters, one older brother and two younger brothers on a farm one mile east of Glenville. Karen was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church of Glenville. She enjoyed spending time outdoors and the Czech food her mom would prepare — especially prune dumplings.

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Karen graduated from Glenville High School in 1975 and Mankato State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in dietetics. She completed an internship at Oklahoma State University. With the help of her dad, Karen got her job at St. John’s Lutheran Community, where she worked for 35 years. She truly loved being with the residents and their families.

On Nov. 6, 1993, Karen married Harry James Nyenhuis at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea. From this union, two children were born, Elise Marie and Brady James. Above everything else, Karen loved her family very much, going for rides and laughing. She was always there to help when it was needed and put others’ needs before her own — both of which are traits she she passed onto her children.

Karen was a lifetime member of Western Fraternal Life Association Lodge No. 44, was the Lodge secretary and was so proud of her Czech heritage.

Karen is survived by her husband, Harry; two children, Elise and Brady; siblings Joe (Katherine) Pacovsky, Elaine Pacovsky, Barb (Bob) Nathanson, Frank Pacovsky and Fred (Shelley) Pacovsky; brothers-in-law Oscar Christopherson and John Nyenhuis; sister-in-law, Ann (Earl) Lynne; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Elsie; in-laws Henry and Georgia Nyenhuis; and sister-in-law, Mary Christopherson.

Karen would be honored best by your spending time loving and caring for your family and friends. Blessed be her memory. She will always be remembered and loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.