Karen Yvonne Smith

 Karen Yvonne Smith nee Gustner, age 87, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday December 28, 2024. She was born on February 26,1937 in Minneapolis, MN to Leonard and Olga Gustner. She attended Whittier elementary, Jefferson middle, West High School 1955 and earned her way through the University of Minnesota receiving a B.S. with honors in Elementary Education 1959.

Affectionately known as “Bo” to family and friends, she was known for her comic sense of humor and laughter, volunteering for many civic and charitable causes, church activities, flower gardening and joyfulness in whatever task she undertook. “Bo” would greet you with a cheerful smiling face and sparkling eyes. 

Karen dearly loved her family and friends and especially cherished bringing them together in her home for laughter and fun. She loved being a mom and grandma. She taught elementary school children in Minnesota, California and Michigan. “Bo” enjoyed traveling in Europe while living in Dusseldorf, Germany. Always active, she just loved seeing and doing things enjoying life along the way.

Preceded in passing by her parents, siblings Doug, Mary Ellen, June, Mae, Leonard and Harold.

She is survived by her husband John (Jack) Smith, son Scott, daughter Jenny, son-in-law Joe Villarreal, grandchildren Tyler, Zack and Joey, brother Dennis (Shirley) and many cousins, nieces, nephews and their children.

Celebration of life at First Presbyterian Church Stillwater, MN on Monday January 6, 2025. Visitation at 10:00 a.m., church services at 11:00 a.m..

Private family interment at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN Memorials: Alzheimer Association 12701 Whitewater Dr. Ste. 290 Minnetonka, MN 55343