Karen Diane Cheever

Obituary

Karen Diane Cheever was born on February 18, 1948, in Gaylord, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of Arthur and Augusta (Kuhnau) Raduenz.  Karen was baptized as an infant on March 7, 1948, by Pastor Mueller, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on March 26, 1961, by Pastor Roesler both at Zion Lutheran Church in New Auburn Township, Minnesota.  She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School during the summer and attended Arlington – Green Isle Public School graduating May 25, 1966. 

Karen left her rural home on June 7, 1966, moving to St. Peter where she began employment at the State Hospital as a psychiatric technician.

On June 30, 1973, Karen was united in marriage to Harvey Cheever by Pastor Salsness at Zion Lutheran Church in Arlington, Minnesota.  They resided together in South Minneapolis until the marriage was dissolved in October 1978 and Karen remained in Minneapolis until 2015 when she moved to Glencoe to be closer to family due to declining health.

Karen was a medical assistant working for a general practitioner until June 18, 1978, when she began working at the VA Medical Center and on the same day she joined the U.S. Army Reserves where she participated 16 years.  Her company 329^th AG Postal was activated December 7, 1990, for Desert Storm.  Morale Support loading cargo planes to take to our troops in the Gulf.  Through encouragement of a superior nurse manager, Karen attended Normandale Community College and received her Associate Degree in Nursing 19 years after High School graduation.  She worked for the VA a total of 34 years before retiring December of 2012.

Karen was a member of American Legion Post #435 in Richfield and also the Women Veterans of Minnesota.  She enjoyed traveling, country, gospel and old time music.  Karen was an avid collector, photographer and loved to play cards and dominoes.  She enjoyed her timeshares in Brainerd and Cancun.  She treasured time spent with family and friends.

Karen passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2017, at Harmony River in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 69 years, 6 months and 21 days.

Blessed be her memory.

Karen is survived by her:
Siblings, Erma Pagel of Glencoe, MN,
Elmer Raduenz and his wife, Marlys, of Plato, MN,
Dennis Raduenz and his wife, Sandy, of Hutchinson, MN;
24 Nieces and Nephews, Numerous Greats, other relatives and many friends.

Karen is preceded in death by her Parents, Arthur and Augusta Raduenz; Infant Son, Ricky Lee; Siblings, Gladys Bergs and her husband, Raymond, Darwin Raduenz and his wife, Darlene, Darline Hoecke and her husband, Glenn; Brothers-in-law, Lawrence Pieschke, Wilfred Pagel; Nieces, Deborah Hoecke, RaNaye Weber; Dear Friend, Patricia Hogan.