Karen Louise Fleming

Karen was born in Iowa City, IA. She was the oldest daughter of 6 children born to Joseph Sr. and Louise Haman. She married Jim Fleming on June 6, 1959. Jim and Karen had 4 children: Jim Jr., Chris, Annita and Tim.

Karen had a long and productive career as a piano teacher. She was also a life-long student having graduated from Hamline University with a master’s degree in liberal studies. Karen wrote many stories and short manuscripts during her life. She also spent a great deal of time with the nuns at the monastery and attending Bible studies. Karen lived her faith, sharing prayers and her time, in care of her family and others. Karen was a daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.

Karen loved trips to Iowa, traveling with Jim, crocheting blankets, embroidering dish towels, exercise classes, biking and of course, playing the piano! Her career as a piano teacher was one of her greatest accomplishments, with some of her students (including 2 of her grandsons) competing in local concerts and competitions.

Karen enjoyed traveling with family when the kids were young and traveling with Jim during their retirement years to Colorado, Florida, So Dakota and the list go on. Karen loved the ‘oldies’ on TV: Andy Griffith Show, Little House on The Prairie and The Waltons. Netflix and cable TV allowed her to tune into all her favorites from the comfort of her chair in the living room on Marnie Street. Karen’s favorite pastime was adding to her doll collection that she built over the years – collecting dolls from different places she visited.

Karen thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was known to attend baseball games, soccer games, plays, band concerts, baptisms, first communions, graduations, Eagle Scout ceremonies, weddings, Easter brunch, Pinetree Apple Orchard, and every family celebration under the sun.

Karen is survived by her children: Chris (Debbie), Annita Fleming-Bending (Dale) and Tim (Jenny); seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, two siblings, her oldest son Jim Jr and her beloved husband Jim Sr, of almost 67 years.

In lieu of flowers - please consider a donation to help with funeral expenses

Visitation will be held at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125, US, on September 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125, US, on September 14, 2026, at 11:00 am.