Karen D. Barrett (Sanders) of St. Paul died on April 11th, 2018 surrounded by her family, after living three years with cancer. Born on August 20th 1946, the youngest child of Alfred and Ina Sanders; she grew up on a farm just outside Hoffman, MN. Preceded in death by her Parents; she is survived by her Husband Kenneth Barrett, Siblings Audrey Sanders, LeRoy Sanders (Ruth), Willard Sanders (Sandra), and Marlys Siverson (Gerald); her Children Oscar Karl Barrett (Spouse, Kendrick Davies), Norman Barrett Wiik (Katherine), Sarah Barrett, Annika Barrett-Sanders, Ingrid Barrett (Michael Caruthers), Martha Ewing (Todd), and Molly Radke (David), and her Grandchildren Ezekiel, Brooklynne, Carl, Theodore, Liam, Fiona, Felicity, and Solomon.
Beloved Mother, Wife, Sister, and Grandmother, Karen's examples of compassion, humility, faith,
and service left a profound impression on everyone who knew her. First and foremost she was a devoted servant of her Lord and savior Jesus Christ, whose teachings were the foundation of her life. Inspired by her Scandinavian heritage (equal parts Norwegian and Swedish) she enjoyed cooking and baking, especially desserts, and always made sure everyone was well fed. She also loved music, and sang for many years with the Joyful Hymnsters, a group that performs regularly at local senior communities. She liked watching game shows, Wheel of Fortune most of all. Finally, as a caregiver, she was beyond comparison, to her Children, Grandchildren, countless Nieces and Nephews, and to anyone else who came into her life.
Cancer stole her from us, but the comfort she gave and the joy she spread will continue to be felt for many generations. The family invites all who wish to honor her to a Gathering at the Wulff Funeral Home in St. Paul on Monday, April 16th from 4-8 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, where Karen was an active member for over 40 years, on Tuesday, April 17th at 11 AM, with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 10 AM. To honor her generosity, donations can be made in her name to two charities she supported: The American Bible Society, or the Merrick Community Services Food Shelf.
