Service Information
Karen J. Tordsen, age 78, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021, at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be held on Monday, August 16, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson with interment in Ebenezer Church Cemetery in Paynesville, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Sunday, August 15, 2021, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. and will continue one hour prior to the service at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel.
Obituary
Karen Janice Tordsen was born on June 29, 1943, in Eden Lake Township, Stearns County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Alvin Schultz and Edna Liestman Schultz. Upon Edna’s death, when Karen was just 8 years old, she was taken into the loving care and home of her Uncle and Aunt Lawrence “Fritz” and Bernice Liestman.
Karen was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith at Ebenezer Church in Paynesville. Karen went to school and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1962. On August 19, 1967, Karen was united in marriage to Robert William Arthur Tordsen at Evangelical United Brethren Church in Paynesville, Minnesota. Karen and Bob lived in Hutchinson briefly before moving to their home of 17 years on Lake Marion and then moved to their Brownton home where they resided 32 years. In 2018, Karen and Bob moved to their present home in Hutchinson. Karen enjoyed her career at 3M in Hutchinson which spanned just short of 38 years. She retired at age 56 and enjoyed nearly 22 wonderful years spent with Bob in their retirement.
Over their 54 years of marriage, Karen and Bob enjoyed traveling to the west and east coasts, nearly 50 years of bowling together in various leagues with teammates from the surrounding areas, fishing up north and spending time at their cabin in Backus--one of Karen’s favorite places to be.
They were active members at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hutchinson where Karen especially enjoyed serving as an Usher. Karen was a member of the Brownton American Legion Auxiliary Unit 143 for over 30 years, and recently served as their Membership Chairman.
Karen passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021, at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota, at the age of 78 years. Blessed be her memory.
Karen is survived by her loving husband, Bob Tordsen;
Sisters-in-law, Diane (the late Ronald) Schultz and Lynn Mueller (the late Jack Mueller);
Cousin, John (Laurel) Liestman and their children, Stacey McKernan (Ragen and Bodie) and Shelly (Phil)
Becker;
Cousin, Lynda Liestman;
Nephew, Greg (Nancy) Schultz and their children, Jake, Luke and Jordan;
Niece, Pam (Tom) Walsh and their children, Hannah (Kurt and Annabelle) Gartner, Shelbie, Greta (Josh)
Murrey and Grace;
Uncle, Delmar (Donna) Liestman;
Many other cousins, family, and friends.
Karen was preceded in death by her Parents, Alvin and Edna Schultz, Lawrence “Fritz” and Bernice Liestman; Brothers, Ronald Schultz and Rodney Schultz; Sister-in-law, Beverly Schultz.
Scott & Linda (Sladek) Vanderwerf says
Bob-
Thoughts and prayers to you – Karen will forever be remembered as a very special & kind hearted lady.
Bridget Burch says
Bob and Family,
Sorry to hear this. Karen and I had a lot of laughs working together at 3M and also bowling together. My thoughts are with you.
Bridget Burch
Verlyce French says
Bob,
So sorry to hear the passing of Karen. She was a great person to work with at 3M.
It is not easy to have a spouse pass away, but remember all the good times the two of you had together.
Keep the memories!
Sandy Olson says
So sorry to hear about Karen, Bob. I remember our bowling trips. Wayne and I both enjoyed
you and Karen on these trips. Lots of laughs and good times. My prayers are with you.
Sandy Olson
Don and Marvel Blom says
Sorry to learn of Karen’s passing. Loved having our ‘after church’ lunches on Sunday. She was always fun to be with. We will miss her.
Sharon (Albers/Beneke)Rusley says
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing.. I always loved being your “second wife” every 3rd week when Karen would work nites and I filled in bowling for her on mixed doubles. May the great memories that you and her made and shared bring you through this most difficult time.
Gloria Kotila says
Dear “Tordy” and family
Deepest sympathies in the loss of your sweet beloved Karen. I also think of the laughter shared at 3M with her as well as yourself …
Blest be her memory.
Gloria
Donna Telecky says
Sincere sympathies to Karen’s family. Enjoyed bowling with her. Take care and God bless.
Merle & Betty Cropp says
Sorry for your loss Bob she will be missed, found out to late but wanted to give you our sympathy.