Wilkinson, Karen Pauline age 79, of Bloomington, MN passed away on Dec 1, 2021, of natural causes. Karen was born in St. Louis Park to Herbert and Clara Rogness on August 26, 1942. She was an avid Girl Scout (and subsequently a leader for her daughter's Troop 10) from fourth to twelfth grade with Troop 556, making lifelong friends. She graduated St. Louis Park High School, received her bachelor's degree from Macalester College in Psychology and Biology and her master's degree from North Carolina State University in School Psychology. Karen married Ronald Wilkinson in 1968 and they raised their family in Minneapolis. She was a school psychologist with the Minneapolis Public Schools for 35 years. Karen had endless energy, staying busy with sewing, quilting, baking, genealogy, gardening, reading, traveling, Sunday school teaching, AAUW lectures, election judging, and attending a multitude of her children's activities and spending time with friends. Family and faith were Karen's priorities. Her family's favorite memories were of her amazing Christmas celebrations, including her state-fair award-winning Norwegian cookies, crepes with bacon (thank you Grandpa Rogness!) and endless gifts. In retirement, Karen kept just as busy volunteering at church with the Golden Shepherds, reading with grade school children, and caring for her grandchildren. She lifted everyone up around her and was a true light to all. She was a breast cancer and lung cancer survivor. As her health declined with Lewy Body Dementia, she did not complain and always had a smile for everyone. Karen was a model of strength and grace to us all. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ron; children Chad (Molly), Todd and Jolynn; sister, Susan Smith; grandchildren Ryan, Jake, Anna, Erin, and Mila. A one-hour visitation at 10am followed by a Celebration of Life will take place at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Minneapolis on Friday, December 10th. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA.org), or the charity of your choice.

Published on December 5, 2021