Karen Jaenke, age 72 of Morton, formerly of Stillwater, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2016 at her home. Private family services were held at Redwood Valley Funeral Home, and a public memorial service will be held at a later date in Cadott, Wisconsin. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.

Karen Elizabeth Jaenke was born March 20, 1943 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Walter and Hilda (Raether) Jaenke. She was baptized April 11, 1943 at her parents’ house, and confirmed on June 16, 1957 at the Lutheran church in Cadott, WI. Karen graduated from Cadott High School. She was united in marriage to Bruce Keith Thordson on October 5, 1963 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cadott, WI. The family lived in various states, but Bozeman, MT was her favorite home. They were blessed with 4 daughters, and after 44 years of marriage, they parted ways. Her greatest loves have always been her children and grandchildren and her various pets throughout the years. She enjoyed landscaping, gardening, and crafts. She loved collecting antiques, was an avid reader, and enjoyed researching her family history.

She is survived by her daughters: Angela Thurston (Greg Henry) of Mankato, MN, Kim Thordson of Morton, Beth (Leonard) Dyko of Mineral City, OH, Tara Thordson of Morton; former husband Bruce Thordson of Stillwater, MN; grandchildren: Josh and Alyssa Thurston, Cassandra (Chris) Guetter, Conner Thordson, Emily and Nicole Dyko; great-grandchildren: Melody Dunn, Dallas Otto, and Baby Guetter due in May; siblings: Milton Jaenke, Carol Woodford, Larry Jaenke, Kathy Jaenke, and Marion Jaenke. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Hilda Jaenke, son-in-law Scott Thurston, sister Beverly Ramsier, brother Mooney Jaenke, nephew Nathan Jaenke, and niece Jamie Jaenke.