Service Information
Karen A. Roush, age 78, of Silver Lake, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at Cedar Crest Estates in Silver Lake.
A Celebration of Karen's Life will be held at a later date.
Memorials are preferred to Cedar Crest Estates 1401 Main Street West, Silver Lake, MN 55381.
Obituary
Karen Audrey Roush was born on October 17, 1942, at the family farm four miles from Clements, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Earl and Augusta (Thompson) Spiess. Karen received her education at the District 77 Country School by Clements.
On October 21, 1961, Karen was united in marriage to Francis Roush at Sundown Lutheran Church by Clements. This marriage was blessed with seven children, Dawn, Steve, Paula, Scott, Bryan, Greg and Darren. Karen and Francis resided in Fairfax and Stewart, Minnesota, and later moved to Lake Lillian, Minnesota. They shared 50 years of marriage until Francis passed away on March 10, 2010.
Karen was a loving homemaker to her husband and children. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart.
Karen enjoyed sending cards to family and friends, playing Bingo and cards, coloring and doing word searches. She also enjoyed listening to country music, singing and dancing. Karen always kept up with the Price is Right, watching soaps, the Minnesota Twins baseball team and Minnesota Vikings football team. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends. Karen was very proud that she was able to donate her bone marrow to her sister, Eileen.
Her favorite sayings were “there is something wrong in Denmark” and “this Covid is for the birds”.
Karen became a resident at Cedar Crest Estates in Silver Lake, Minnesota, on January 12, 2015. She passed away there on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at the age of 78 years.
Blessed be her memory.
Karen is survived by her:
Children, Dawn Nutter of Gibbon, MN,
Steve Roush and his wife, Holly, of Farming, MN,
Paula Roush of Bird Island, MN,
Scott Roush of Lester Prairie, MN,
Bryan Roush and his wife, Likhi, of Atwater, MN,
Greg Roush and his significant other, Tammy Schwanke, of Bird Island, MN,
Darren Roush of Wabasso, MN;
31 Grandchildren, several Great Grandchildren, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews;
Siblings, Marilyn McClintock, Sylvia Rehbein, Duane Spiess, Gary Spiess, Eileen Anderson, and Neil Speiss;
Many other relatives and friends.
Karen is preceded in death by her Parents, Earl and Augusta Spiess; Husband, Francis Roush; and Siblings, Luella Drawdy, Ernie Spiess, Darlene Colson, and Norma Williams.
Karen’s family would like to specially thank Cedar Crest Estates in Silver Lake for their outstanding care for Karen and it will never be forgotten.
Chuck Thiel says
My condolences to the Roush family. Karen was one of my favorites at CC-SL. She almost always had requests for me on my weekly music dates… even if I teased her about her list and requesting some songs every week. Karen was a gem.
Chuck Thiel
Bryan says
Thank you Chuck
Kristi Johnson says
Karen had a heart of gold and her smile will be missed.
Bryan says
Thank you Kristi
Likhi Roush says
You’ll always be in my heart and I know I will see you again in heaven. I love you Karen Roush
Bryan says
Thank you
Betty rettig says
Will miss you aunt Karen and love you alot
Bryan says
Thank you Betty
Jo Bentz says
Karen was a special person, but being humble as she was, would never admit to the happiness she brought to so many. She was well-known at Cedar Crest for her love of music, playing Polish Poker for nickels, 500, and Bingo, But she was best known for her love of giving and sending folks cards for any occasion. Karen remembered everyone’s birthday with a card. Not just the residents, but employees, their spouses, and even visitors who became friends. She always signed, A friend, Karen. She looked forward to the mail and keeping in touch with relatives and friends. She would always share news of her family with anyone who would listen. Karen’s love of her family kept her going. There was nothing more important to her than knowing that they were all safe. Karen’s lesson of life for all of us is that a small gesture of kindness goes a long way, even if there is ‘something wrong in Denmark’. May God grant you peace Karen and welcome you home with open arms.
Bryan says
Thank you Jo for your kind words for our mother.
Kayla says
Love you dearly Grandma until We meet again I love you very much Rest In Peace say hi to grandpa for me!!
Bryan says
Thank you Kayla
Gloria and Larry says
RIP Karen we miss you but know we will see you again one day! Will miss your smile and cards on our birthday! Miss your phone calls and sharing everything going on in the family! Love you ??
Rick Kee says
Growing up and living in California, I have not seen my MN family members as much as I would have liked but Aunt Karen always made an extra effort to keep us close. I don’t think I ever missed a birthday card from her which is very special to me. I remember I had my guitar with me in MN once and Karen was full of requests, she loved music. I remember one of her requests was Hey Good Lookin, by Hank Williams. I can still her her singing it and I will forever think of her whenever I hear it. Karen is my Mom’s little sister, my Mom loved her so much and they talked and wrote frequently. Karen, thank you so much for all you have done to keep this family close. I love you and will miss you until we meet again.
Maryl Ice says
Karen will always be in my heart! She was funny and had a great personality! She loved everyone for who they are! I will miss our telephone conversations and my birthday cards cause she never forgot!
I am fortunate to have had her in my life and I will never forget her!
Twyla G Waller says
Our deepest sympathy. Karen had a huge heart. I remember her always willing to lend a hand. Blessed be her memory.
Twyla & Chuck
Sherri Giese says
Paula and families I am so sorry for your loss
Prayers and hugs
Diane Eschen says
Aunt Karen remembered everyone’s birthday. She enjoyed getting Christmas letters and cards and would always respond back with a card. I remember the trip to New York and how she wanted to get “I love NY” t- shirts for all her kids and grandkids. I sat down with her to figure out how many t shirts she needed. It was a lot at that time. I shop we stopped at didn’t come close to the number she needed. So I think she ended up buying just for the kids. Touring New York City was an adventure for her and Frank just in the vehicle. I remember her saying I’m sure glad we don’t live here. I’m sure our driver Al Roush Jr. might have helped her make that decision. (LOL). As a child I remember her and Norma dancing to ALL polka’s and walz’s. She hardly ever left the dance floor. Danced even with the ones that had a hard time keeping with with her. She loved dancing and country music for sure!!
Heaven has gain a dance partner.
Rest in Peace Aunt Karen
Your Niece Diane
Margaret Lauinger says
I am a Senior Companion for Lutheran Social Services. Even though Karen was not a client, she knew me and always was so friendly and kind to everyone! She was a good friend to everyone and always had a smile and kind words! I have not been able to visit at Cedar Crest for a long time so I have not seen Karen for a long time. She was a very special person and LOVED to play Bingo! She will be missed. Sincerely, Margaret Lauinger
Vicki says
Aunt Karen you will be truly missed. I always looked forward to seeing you and talking to you at family functions. Always loved my Birthday Card from you each year. You will be missed along with your kindness that the world needs more of.
Love your niece,
Vicki
Kim Roush Meyers says
Aunt Karen, You made my life better,and your daughter my favorite cousin Renee by taking us for makeup lessons,spending time, sleepovers,and accepting us without judgement. I love,and will miss you. Let your spirit fly, see you in the future.Love Kim