Karen L. Wolter

Karen Lee Wolter, age 82 of Cannon Falls, died peacefully on Friday, October 14, 2022 at The Terrace at Cannon Falls.

Karen was born on December 6, 1939 in Fairmont, MN, the daughter of Glen and Gladys (Malo) Voyles. She graduated from Granada High School in 1957. She went on to St. John’s Hospital Nursing School in Mankato, where she received her LPN certificate. Her nursing career was spent providing care at a hospital, nursing home, and later as a hospice nurse. Karen’s kind and gentle soul brought comfort to those in need. Her passion for caring for others, and her interest in holistic healing, led her to a career in massage therapy. Her grandchildren especially enjoyed visiting her at McIntee Chiropractor for the “grandma’s special” massage.

She married Richard "Dick" Wolter on August 20, 1960 in Fairmont, MN.  They moved to Cannon Falls in 1963, where they raised their family. They enjoyed getting together and making memories with their lifelong friends. They have been longtime members of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Cannon Falls. Karen was very strong in her faith and was active in her church, including teaching Sunday school. 

Holidays were very special to her. She had many holiday traditions including decorating the entire house, hanging stockings for all, reading the Gingerbread Man to her grandchildren, and wanting her family to go to the late night candlelight church service. 

Karen loved being with her family and all of her grandchildren. She would take each grandchild for a special outing and gift on their birthday. She loved baking her famous apple bars. 

Karen had a deep love for cardinals.  It was evident in the clothes that she wore, the decor throughout her home, and the gifts she received.  She believed that the sight of a cardinal held special meaning. The cardinal is a sign that those we have lost will forever live in our hearts.  Her family and friends will always remember her through the vibrant red bird.

She will be greatly missed by her husband of 62 years, Dick; children, Susan (Jeff) Samuelson, Mark (Lynn) Wolter, and Glenda (Mark) Lindell, all of Cannon Falls; 8 grandchildren, Justin (Kelli) Samuelson, Jessica (Mitch) Lindholm, Bailey (Dave) Haley, Samantha (Trevor) Schloesser, Brook Thomforde, Molly Thomforde, Matthew (Nicole) Lindell, and Lauren (Tyler) Thomforde; 10 great grandchildren, Lydia, Gracie, Kia, Carter, Mallory, Bianca, Chloe, David, Lucy, and Elowen; brother, Eugene "Butch" (Janet) Voyles of Granada; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Sherry Voyles of Fairmont and Robert (Connie) Wolter of Aitkin; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jerry Voyles; and great granddaughters, Eleanor and Meredith Schloesser.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Congregational Church of Cannon Falls, on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  A luncheon will follow the service. 

Memorials may be made out to St. Croix Hospice or to donor’s choice.

Honorary urn bearers will be Karen’s grandchildren: Justin, Jessica, Bailey, Samantha, Brook, Molly, Matthew, and Lauren.

Arrangements by Lundberg Funeral Home, Cannon Falls. Online condolences may be directed to www.LundbergFuneral.com.