We bid farewell to Karen Mary Wolbeck (Blenker) a true friend and beacon of light, who departed from this world on March 9th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness.
Karen walked through life with a gentle soul and unforgettable grace, touching the lives of so many. Karen was born on July 12, 1965 to Joe and Marcie Blenker of Melrose, MN. Karen attended Melrose High School. Throughout her high school years, she became an accomplished diver and helped her team go to state four times. After graduating in 1984, Karen married Arlan Wolbeck from Grey Eagle, MN, on November 16, 1985 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. They were blessed with two sons, and welcomed five grandchildren. Karen was employed at Jennie-o foods for 30+ years, also had a few side jobs over the years such as waitress or bartending for fun money, retiring in 2020. Karen had many enjoyments in her life, such as fishing, dancing to some good country music, on game days you could catch her at her favorite bar the Cabooze with friends cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, or sitting by a warm campfire, tossing back a few beers with a quirky smile, and sharing lots of laughs. Karen‘s true passion was spending time with her grandchildren, which were the center of her world. Karen was a wonderful mother to her sons, she was always there for them when they needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance, her spirit will forever be remembered.
Karen is survived by (husband) Arlan Wolbeck, (son) Bj Wolbeck, and his children Rileagh, Dallis, Kinsley; (son) Aaron Wolbeck, and his children Aleah, and Aaron Jr.; (siblings) Roger Blenker, Mary (Jeff) Philippi, Carol (Donnie) Zerbies, Linda (Ken) Unger, Alice Hennefin, Mike (Jaycee) Blenker; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Karen was proceeded in death by her parents Joe and Marcie Blenker, brothers Ed, and Ronald Blenker, and nephew Justin Zerbies.
Celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
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