Karen Kay Locher

Karen Kay Locher, age 80, passed away Friday, May 27, 2022 at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar, Minnesota. Services will be held Friday, June 3, 2022, at 11:00 AM at the Zniewski Funeral Home, Benson, Minnesota with lunch provided at the Benson VFW following the service. Burial will immediately follow at the Summit Cemetery in Morris, Minnesota.

Karen Kay (Lampert) Locher was born July 9, 1941, in Morris, Minnesota. Karen was the third child born to John Lampert and Frieda (Christiansen) Lampert, and was raised on the family farm near Alberta, Minnesota. Karen was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith, trusting Christ to guide her life. Karen graduated from Alberta High School in 1959 with distinction as class valedictorian.

Karen married Dennis Stahn in November 1970, settling near Donnelly, Minnesota, raising their three boys, Curtis, Kevin, and Keith Stahn on the family farm. After the boys were grown, Karen made Willmar, Minnesota her final home. Karen married Gary Locher in March 2005, with both most recently residing at the Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar.

Karen loved to travel, with a special interest and affection for the West. She traveled to numerous states including the Dakotas, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Wisconsin, and Alaska. Karen loved all aspects of the western United States and Native American culture, art and jewelry. Karen was passionate about jewelry, enjoyed photography, and had a lifelong love of cats. Karen loved her family above all, which was apparent in all her interactions.

Karen is survived by her children: Curtis (Kimberly) Stahn of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Kevin (Trang) Stahn of Leander, Texas, Keith (Marléna) Stahn of Conroe, Texas, Torrey (Ezra) Locher of Columbus, Ohio, Holley (Nate) Locher House of Richfield, Minnesota, Karrey Locher of Minneapolis, Minnesota; 8 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; sister Joan (Jim) Wieczorek of Bovey, MN; brother Gary (Dianne) Lampert of Morris, MN; numerous nieces; nephews and other family and friends.

Karen is preceded in death by her father, John Lampert, mother Frieda Lampert Krogstad, stepfather Rolland Krogstad, niece Kayla Lampert, and grandson Zachary Stahn.