Karen Oakes

Karen (Mrs. Tom) Oakes, age 56, of Ortonville died on July 2, 2017, in Sioux Falls, SD, from injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Brian Oestreich on Friday, July 7, at 11:00am at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville. Burial will be at Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00-8:00pm at the church, with a prayer service starting at 5:30pm.

***The public is asked to park in the school parking lot due to construction around the church.***

Honorary bearers will be all of Karen’s friends and family. Music will be provided by Judy Fuller, organist, and the St. John’s Choir.

Karen Kay (Anderson) Oakes, daughter of Arnold and Mary (Dwyer) Anderson, was born on May 4, 1961, in Graceville, Minnesota. She was the youngest of thirteen children, grew up in Ortonville, and graduated from Ortonville High School in 1979. After high school she attended technical college in Alexandria, MN. Karen was united in marriage on July 26, 1980 with Thomas Oakes. Through this marriage they welcomed three sons.

Karen worked as a server and florist for several years before she and her husband opened Shady Oak Realty, Inc. in 1997. She was also an active community member in Ortonville for several years and loved promoting the area. She enjoyed her family, spending time at their home in Lake Havasu, motorcycle rides, gardening, decorating her house for the season and hosting parties. Karen will be most remembered for her warm heart and generosity; she had an infectious smile and a personality that brightened those around her. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her children and grandchildren were the pride of her life.

Karen is survived by her husband, Tom, of Ortonville, MN; sons: Jesse (Emily) of St. Cloud, MN; Jason (Lucinda) of Minneapolis, MN; Isaac (Kathleen) of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren: Austen, Kyler, Wilson, and Jaxon; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Terry and Kathy Oakes of Ortonville, MN; siblings: Joe (Janice) McDonnell of St. Cloud, MN; Bill (Deb) McDonnell of St. Cloud, MN; Richard Anderson of Ortonville, MN; Darrell (Doris) Anderson of Glenwood, MN; Melody (Dave) Steffes of St. Cloud, MN; Linda (Donald) Nitz of St. Cloud, MN; Diane Laub of Ortonville, MN; and Douglas Anderson of Ortonville, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and four sisters: Connie, Barb, Patsy, and Arlene.