Karen Nelson

Karen Nelson of Shoreview passed away in her home October 26th, 2022. She was preceded in death by parents Gerhardt & Marie Boelter, Brother Don Boelter, and sister Marion Walz. Survived by Daughter Jennifer Flor, son-in-law Craig Flor, beloved grandchildren Travis, JJ, & Betsy; Sisters Ann Vershoyle & Jane Simpson; Sister-in-law Diane Boelter and many nieces & nephews.

Born in 1939 to Gerhardt & Marie Boelter in Springfield, MN. She was raised on their family farm in Lamberton, MN. She was drummer in the band, and an accomplished 4H member before graduating from Lamberton High School in 1957.

She attended Wartburg College and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1961. Karen met her husband (Phil-divorced) while working for Coca Cola Bottling Midwest, they married in 1963. Her daughter Jennifer was born in 1971. She started as a teacher-typist for the Columbia Heights School District in 1984, and retired as Food Service Supervisor in 2000.

Karen spent much of her retirement helping to care for her grandchildren. She  loved the State Fair and worked at the information booth for years. In her spare time, she liked to travel & cruise with her friends, seeing New England, the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, & Mexico. Her travels were highlighted with a Panama Canal cruise & a heritage trip to Germany with her daughter.

Karen loved watching her family play hockey. She loved fishing at the lake, and listening to the loons. She bled Maroon & Gold for the Gophers and commiserated over the Vikings for years.

Karen’s family will remember Saturdays after Thanksgiving at her house. Dinner around her big pull out table, Chex mix, “hot red stuff” on the stove, and sisters laughing in the kitchen.

A celebration of Life will be held Sat. Nov. 26th at Bradshaw Funeral Home, 4600 Greenhaven Dr., White Bear Lake. Visitation 10:30am, service at 12:30pm, followed by luncheon.

There will be a private scattering of ashes at a later date. Memorials can be made to the University of Minnesota Foundation's Type 2 Diabetes Fund.