Karen Mary Zismer

Karen died from an aggressive grade-4 glioblastoma. As devastating as her diagnosis was, it gave her family the chance to surround her with love, hope, and tenderness during her final months. She left this world the same way she lived in it: with love.

She is survived by her son Tim, daughter-in-law Ali, granddaughter Veda, and her sister Carol. She also leaves behind nieces and their children, all of whom she cherished.

Karen faced hardship early in life, losing both parents when she and her siblings were young. Even through grief, she found her own way forward. She built her life at her own pace, creating the foundation she had always wished for. For more than 40 years, her home in Shoreview became the place where she gathered memories, friendships, and warmth.

She worked for 42 years as an operator at MackayMitchell Envelope, forming friendships that last to this day.

Karen dedicated her free time to the things that brought joy to her and to others. A lifelong crafter, she created tie blankets, hats, scarves, clothing, and countless other handmade projects. If she could imagine it, she would find a way to make it. Sharing her craftwork, especially with friends and family, was one of her quiet superpowers.

Karen also had a simple but profound love of rocks. Not the grand or dramatic kind, but small pieces of the world she added over time. Each one symbolized how her life was built: piece by piece, gesture by gesture, forming a foundation grounded in love, gratitude, and the people who were dear to her.

She was a devoted coffee and chocolate lover, fueled for decades by steady cups of Folgers and classic Hershey’s bars through first, second, and third shifts at Mackay.

Over the years, Karen took in and nurtured cats, dogs, hamsters, and even a turtle. She cared for those who needed it most and gave without ever asking for anything in return.

Karen had a distinctive, unforgettable laugh, one of those sounds that carried warmth and familiarity across a room. Though she did not graduate high school, she remained endlessly curious, always learning and always finding new ways to understand the world around her.

Her home was kept in a state of love. Photographs filled her walls and shelves, Tim at every stage of life, family moments, pictures of Ali and Veda, and mementos of the people she treasured. Walking into her living room felt like stepping into a museum of the ones she loved, each memory carefully placed and tended. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family.

Karen’s greatest devotion was to her son, Tim. She showed up for him in every season of his life, through small moments, hard years, and all the ordinary days in between. Her love for him was steady, tireless, and unconditional.

Karen’s legacy is carried forward not only through her family but through all of us who knew her. The greatest gift she gave was to her granddaughter; in raising a loving son she has ensured her granddaughter will always feel her love through Tim.

There are no words that can fully express how grateful and blessed we are to our family, friends, and Karen’s neighbors who stood beside us through this journey. Side by side, message by message, your love shone through in her final days.

Piece by piece, she built a life of love. She filled her home with memories; now she lives on in ours.

Services will be held on January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset & Kapala-Glodek Funeral Home and Sunset Cemetery (2250 St. Anthony Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55418).

Visitation will take place from 9:30–11:00 a.m.

The inurnment ceremony will follow from 12:00–12:45 p.m.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held from 12:15–3:00 p.m., with food and beverages provided.