It is with profound sadness that the family of Karin JoAnne Nelson, age 77, of Albert Lea, announces her sudden, unexpected passing at her home on August 21, 2022.

Karin J Nelson

Karin was born March 15, 1945, in Northwood, IA, to Leona and Verle Herman. She was the oldest of four siblings. Karin grew up in Glenville, MN and graduated from Glenville High School in 1963. She received an Associates of Arts degree from Austin Community College of Austin, MN in 1988 and graduated Cum Laude from Mankato State University, Mankato, MN in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education.

Karin was united in marriage to Mike Nelson in 1963. From this union they were blessed with two daughters, Shari and Jackie. They later divorced. Karin then met and fell in love with Gary Harmdierks. They were blessed with a son, Randy Harmdierks. Though they separated a few years later, Karin and Gary remained good friends. Karin developed a special relationship with Gary’s other children and stepchildren: Brody, Matthew, Angie, and Beth—who all thought of Karin as a second mother.

A lifelong educator, Karin spent her life caring for others. She worked as a para-educator at Halverson Elementary in Albert Lea before Randy was born. She babysat for several families before going to college, student taught in Pemberton, MN and at Hawthorne Elementary in Albert Lea. She worked for Head Start in Albert Lea for 12 years, then at the Children’s Center in Albert Lea until her retirement.

In 2015, Karin began caring for and loving the children of Krista and Jordan Doyle: Preslie, Ava, and Christian. She loved them like they were her own grandchildren.

Karin was an active member of the Albert Lea Seventh-day Adventist Church. There she served in children’s ministry and enjoyed sharing her love for her Lord and Savior with the children. A highlight of her year was the week-long annual Adventist camp meetings held in Hutchinson, MN.

Karin’s favorite activities included enjoying her view of the fountains from her porch, spending time on the boat with her kids, and she especially enjoyed caring for children and making numerous memory books for each of them as they have been a part of her life. This was a hobby she later shared with her great-granddaughter, Olivia. Karin adored her great-grandchildren: Isaac, Olivia, Landon and Everly. She loved spending time with them every chance she got.

Karin is survived by her children Shari Nelson of Albert Lea, MN, Jackie (Brian) Otterson of Albert Lea, MN, and Randy (Angie) Harmdierks of Albert Lea, MN; grandchildren Brandon (Melissa) Burnett of Austin, MN, Cody (Tara) Otterson of Kansas City, MO and Brooke Otterson of Albert Lea, MN; great-grandchildren Isaac Leeman of Austin, MN, Olivia Leeman of Austin, MN, Landon and Everly Otterson of Kansas City, MO; brothers Richard (Jeanne) Herman of Emmons, MN, David Herman of Glenville, MN, and Phil (Linda) Herman of Blaine, MN; numerous nieces and nephews; and many additional friends and chosen family.

She is preceded in death by her parents Leona and Verle Herman.

Karin’s family invites you to join us in a celebration of her life, with a visitation at Bayview Funeral Home from 4-6 pm on Sunday, August 28, and funeral services at 2 pm with a viewing one hour before, on Monday, August 29, at the Albert Lea Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Karin loved and was loved supremely. Her absence is already felt, and she will be greatly missed. May Jesus come soon.