Service Information
Karen K. (Reinitz) Ruble, age 65, wife of Terry, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Private Funeral Service will be held Friday, January 19, 2024 at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
Public Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
Obituary
Karen Kay was born July 23, 1958. She was the “middle” child of Kenny and Frieda (Schroeder) Reinitz. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church, which was just in her back yard. She received her education in Glencoe and graduated from Glencoe Senior High in 1976. After graduation, Karen was employed at Telex and then 3M. She retired from 3M on December 31, 2015, after 35 years.
In her younger years, Karen was on the shy and quiet side. After work, she would stop at Happy Hour Inn and sit quietly at the bar, drinking her Tab. There she caught the attention of a handsome bartender, Terry. Their relationship was established and they became a family of six when they married on November 16, 1985. Karen was now mom to Keith, Carrie, Kenny and Kelly.
In her earlier years, Karen was involved in a variety of activities. Karen and Terry belonged to a Cowboy Action Shooting Group, her character was “Kate Muldoon” and she had time period appropriate clothing. Karen learned to drive a buggy lead by two Percheron horses. She also participated in league bowling for a few years.
Karen enjoyed a bit of travel going to Florida with Terry several times to visit Chuck and Carol, Mexico with Kelly and family and two trips to Disney World. She went on trips to tapings of Oprah, Ellen, The Price is Right, and a recent trip to Oklahoma to see Ree Drummond’s Lodge and The Mercantile. She enjoyed many Memorial Day weekends at Dead Lake with family and friends.
After retirement, Karen’s favorite activities were visiting with family and friends, reading “People” magazines and books on her Kindle. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, going to Escape Rooms, casino trips and playing many games of Cribbage with Terry.
Karen was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in mid-October 2023. Since November 25, 2023, she had been at Harmony River or hospitalized for cancer related issues.
Karen has left to mourn her
Husband, Terry;
Son, Keith Ruble, wife Brenda;
Daughter, Carrie Ruble, special friend Bob Splichal;
Son-in-law, Arturo Solis;
Brother, Kevin Reinitz, wife Becky;
Sisters, Cheryl Hanson,
Robin Klopp, husband Dave;
Brother-in-law Dave Jenneke, wife Mary;
Sister-in-law Carol Willert, husband Chuck;
Nieces and nephews, Melissa Reinitz (Fiancé, Tyler Leavell), Nicole Weber (Travis), Jennifer Holtz (Chris), Tiffany Reinitz, Trisha Buboltz (Tony), Crystal Jones (James), Trevor Klopp, Logan Klopp, Todd Willert (Nancy), Timm Willert (Val), Michelle Willert, Dawn Willert;
Grandchildren, Taylor Elke, Kelsey Ruble, Corissa Schneewind (Nolan), Sasha Van Allen (Ryan), Samantha Solis, Terrol Solis, Leah Solis;
8 Great-grandchildren;
Lifelong friends, Debbie Kohls,
Linette Stanley;
Many other relatives and friends.
Awaiting her in heaven: Dad, Kenny (1965); Mom, Frieda (2008); Sister, Cindy (1993); Son, Kenny (2021); Daughter, Kelly (2009); Nephew, Troy (2021); Parents-in-law, Ralph Ruble, Lyle and Alma Ebeling.
Thank you doesn’t seem enough, but thank you for the heartfelt sympathy extended to Karen’s loved ones! We appreciate all of you, for your thoughts, prayers, help, offers to help, shoulders to cry on! We needed you now and we will need you in the future. This is our “Thank you” to you, no acknowledgments will be sent.
DONNA ENGELEN says
I’m so sad to see this. I always enjoyed working overtime with her. Time passed quickly:). My sympathies to her family.
Lindy Myllykangas says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Karen was so full of joy and love, it was contagious! She will be missed by all that knew her.
tom wall says
Karen, it was such a Joy to work with you at 3m, your smile and joy-ful attitude will be missed RIP.
Ronald Bandemer says
I enjoyed having her around. She always lit up the room when she was around.
Valerie Willert says
Such a wonderful lady. Honored to call her a friend. Will be missed by all who knew her. Her thoughtfulness for myself, my husband (her nephew) and I am sure everyone she cared about will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her entire family.
laura hatcher says
Sorry for your loss. She was always full of smiles. will truly be missed.
Kathy Bogatzki says
Karen leaves some awesome memories. The ones that stand out the most were Karen and Marilyn S. talking on break about the crazy harmless antics they would play on Curly S. at work. Those 2 gals would have us crying at the break table from laughing so hard. Karen you may not be with us, but gosh your memories will go on forever. Rest in Peace Karen
Carolyn Kurth says
Terry, I am sending to you our sincerest thoughts and sympathies at hearing of Karens’ passing on. The few times we chatted at our Cedar Mills farms were definitely too few!!! I enjoyed those little visits as she was fun to talk with and had a beautiful smile.
Rodney and Carolyn Kurth
Becky says
Karen will be missed by everyone that knew her. She was such a kind and loving woman!
Cindy Karg says
With our sincere sympathy to all! May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you’ve all shared. Cindy and Todd
Leslie Weber says
My sincere sympathy for her family’s loss. Karen was a wonderful and caring person who always brought a smile and joy into my days at 3M. May the Lord fill your great void.
Mary Wilke says
With deepest sympathy to Terry and family, Karen was always smiling and this friend, neighbor, and 3M coworker is deeply missed. So sorry for your loss.
Judy (Hoff) Sladek says
Sad to hear that Karen passed away, She was always so Super Friendly, with the most beautiful smile. Sympathy to her family!
Kelly Thole says
Karen you had such a kind heart! Words to describe you would be kind loving funny great sense of humor! Supportive and loyal friend. I know you are in Heaven at Peace sitting at Jesus right hand! Much love and hugs sent to Teri Family and friends! RIP my friend!
Scott Lemke says
My condolences to Karen’s family.
Marilyn Showalter says
Thinking of you all and what you must be going through.She became a very good friend and and will miss all our talks and laughter.My sympathy to everyone!
Deb Cormier says
It’s people like Karen that make the world a better place.
Glad I was able to be a co-worker with this kind and delightful person.
Rest In Peace
Dawn Halverson says
So very sorry to hear this sad news.
Karen had a great smile along with her friendly greeting. Our condolences to her family and loved ones.
Darlene Eischens says
I’m so sad to hear of Karen’s passing. She was such a wonderful person. Prayers to her family at this sad time.
Paula Inselmann says
I was so sad to see this, another 3M friend. Karen was such a sweet person, always willing to chat with me, She had an infectious laugh and beautiful smile. My heartfelt sympathy’s to the family, You are all in my prayers.
Ben Hansen says
I worked with Karen in Mod 7 for several years and I always remember it to be a fun time with lots of laughs. Sorry to hear of her passing. I’ll be thinking of her and her family.
Dave Stark says
My deepest sympathy & condolences to Karen’s family. I was sorry to hear of her passing. Karen was a classmate of mine with the class of 1976. May she rest in peace.
Michelle Flachmeyer says
Karen was a,wonderful person.She was alawys smiling. She will be missed by many. She loved being around family and doing things Rest in peace Karen May your wing fly high.Say hello to my dad in heaven and grandma .