Karen Kay was known for her love of all things Sparkly, you could see it in the clothes that she wore, decorations in her home and the twinkle in her eyes.
She left this life peacefully on May 17, 2023 with her 4 daughters at her side.
She was 39 (well, that’s what she said when asked.)
Karen began life August 30 th in Marathon IA as the 6 th of 8 children from parents Cecil and Alice Stethem. She loved being from a large family and visited with her siblings as frequently as she was able to.
Her family moved to North Minneapolis Minnesota when she was a teen.
She married Leland J Hoikka and they were married for 30 years and had 4 daughters. The marriage ended shortly after their 30th anniversary, but they became better friends after the marriage ended. Lee passed away unexpectedly November 14, 1987.
Karen had earned her LPN degree and worked as a nurse for many years in nursing homes as well as private homes as a care giver. However, her work as a triage nurse for Hennepin County Hospital was the pinnacle of her career and loved the years that she worked there.
In 1997 she met the Love of her life while on a plane returning home from Mission Texas while visiting one of her sisters.
John Lee Solis was amazed by Karen’s enthusiasm for life and the sparkle of her personality. After the short flight they went on to their different destinations but began calling each other that night. They brought out the best of each other from the moment they met.
John left his beloved Texas, his adult children and grandchildren to begin a new stage of his life that included moving to Minnesota. They were happily married for 25 years and made each other laugh and feel loved every day.
John developed Cancer and he left this world July 6 th , 2021, with Karen by his side. Karen said, “that she had gone from being treated like a queen to being treated like an old lady.” with his passing.
Karen never lost the sparkle in her eyes or her love of life and family, but 22 months after John’s passing, she left us to join him.
Preceded in death by Parents, Cecil & Alice Stethem; Siblings, Mitchell Stethem, Jimmy Stethem, Madonna Remillard, Patricia McClain and Billy Stethem.
Survived by Daughters, Lisa (Ryan) Pridgeon, Lori Neisen, Pam (Alan) Gradei, Paula (Ernie) Lausten; (Like a daughter) Mary Jo Emfield and 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Siblings, Brother, Richard Stethem and Sister Linda Stethem and many nieces and nephews.
By her second marriage, she leaves her stepchildren, Mary (Peter) Solis-Witham, John Lee (Lucy) Solis, III, Stephen Anthony (Cindy) Solis, Karen Dianne (Joseph R.) Solis-Pruett, Michelle Christine (John) Fuller, Elizabeth Ann (Mike) Staten.
Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held Saturday September 2, 2023 at 11:00 am at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (833 Marschall Road Shakopee, MN 55379).
Interment will follow at Shakopee Catholic Cemetery 830 10th Ave W, Shakopee, MN 55379.
With Karen’s love of all things sparkly and her live large outlook we encourage you to wear anything bright and sparkly to help celebrate her. Will have some tiaras available but if you can bring your own that is encouraged.
