Karen S. Whitaker, age 78, passed away peacefully with family at her side on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 at the Kinnic Health and Rehab in River Falls, Wis. Karen was born on July 29, 1946 to John and Alberta Braden. She grew up in the Indianapolis, Ind. area and later moved to St. Paul, Minn. in 1968. She spent her recent years residing in the River Falls, Wis. area.
Karen was an outgoing person and made new friends and acquaintances wherever she went. As Karen’s health declined in recent years, she spent time in area nursing home facilities. The staff at these facilities have shared with family that they loved spending time with her talking about her children and grandchildren. Karen had a fondness for learning new things and enjoyed spending her time on crosswords and puzzles.
Karen is survived by her children, Brian (Sonja) and Bruce (Angela); grandchildren, Emma (Swarun Kulasekaran), Jackson, Alexandra (Bryce) Robey, and Anja; great-grandchildren, Hazel and Harvey; brother-in-law, Lee Belcher. She was preceded in death by her parents, John T. and Alberta L. Braden (White); son, Brent T. Whitaker; sister, Linda M. Belcher; and brother, John Allen Braden.
The family wishes to thank staff and caregivers at St. Croix Hospice for their care and kindness.
A Memorial Service for Karen will be held at a later date. Cremation services provided by Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
