Karen D. Wendlandt

Obituary

Karen Dianne (Wacker) Wendlandt was born on September 4, 1946, in Glencoe, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Clarence and Erna (Panning) Wacker. Karen was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth on December 13, 1959, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Auburn, Minnesota. Her confirmation verse was Psalm 101:1-2. She received her education in Arlington and graduated from the Arlington - Green Isle High School with the class of 1964. She continued her education at Mankato State University in Mankato, earning a teaching degree in Elementary Education.

On June 29, 1968, Karen was united in marriage to Dennis Wendlandt at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Auburn. Karen and Dennis made their family home in Glencoe in 1969. The couple was blessed with 2 sons, Bryce and Ryan. Karen and Dennis shared over 57 years of marriage.

Karen was employed as an Elementary Teacher for 33 years. Her early years were spent teaching at the Minnetonka School District and later at the Glencoe – Silver Lake School District. She retired in 2002. Karen was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Glencoe and served on the memorial committee there. Karen also served as a board member for the Glencoe Regional Health Foundation for many years.

Karen enjoyed traveling over the years, especially taking trips with her friends. She enjoyed relaxing with a good book, sewing, and sharing a cup of coffee with friends. She looked forward to attending events and activities her grandchildren were involved in; and spending time with family at gatherings. Karen’s greatest lesson she shared with her children and others who knew her was to treat others as you wish to be treated.

Karen passed away peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, Minnesota, at the age of 79 years, 3 months, 8 days. Blessed be her memory.

Karen is survived by her
Husband, Dennis Wendlandt of Glencoe, MN;
Children, Bryce Wendlandt (Mim) of Litchfield, MN, Ryan Wendlandt (Emma) of Litchfield, MN;
Grandchildren, Ross Wendlandt (Anna), Tory Wendlandt (Fiancé, Makenna), Bret Wendlandt, and Jack Wendlandt;
Brothers-in-law, Melvin Dahlke of Arlington, MN, and David Wendlandt (Roxanne) of Brownton, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Coralis Eriksen (Harald) of Glencoe, MN, Carol Bartels of Belle Plaine, MN, Jody Genz (Doug) of Norwood Young America, MN, Sue Wendlandt of Milbank, SD;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her father and mother, Clarence and Erna Wacker; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Delford and Elva Wendlandt; Sister, Lois Dahlke; Brother-in-law, Rodney Wendlandt.