Karen Rae Spinler, 72, of Austin, Minnesota, passed peacefully on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

Karen Rae, the daughter of Edward and Frances (Bren) Zolnosky, was born on May 1, 1944, in New Prague, Minnesota. She attended Owatonna High School and graduated with the class of 1962, before attending Hamline University in St. Paul. On Nov. 23, 1985, Karen was united in marriage to David Spinler at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Karen worked as an accountant for Owatonna Tool Company for 19 years and then served as vice president of David Spinler Construction. She enjoyed spending time with her family and beloved dog Missy Sue. Tending to her garden and flowers was one of her favorite pastimes. She also loved cooking, baking, bowling, bird watching, and going on trips. A favorite destination was Diamond Jo Casino, where she loved to play the slot machines. Karen and Dave enjoyed spending the last five winters at their home in Mesa, Arizona.

Survivors include her husband David Spinler of Austin; her daughter Cindy (Mark) Blanchette of Owatonna; David’s daughters Pam (Scott) Gilson of Savage, Kim (Mark) Symes of Blooming Prairie, Cindy Spinler of Austin; grandchildren Holly (Kevin) Glanville, Melanie (Joe) Sunnarborg, Amy Blanchette, Taylor Gilson, Blake (Becky) Symes, Chelsey (Jim) Fleming; great-grandchildren Clayton, Preslie, Nolan and Alec; her brothers Larry Zolnosky of California and Monte (Lois) Zolnosky of Texas, and many nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Frances Zolnosky and her sister Yvonne.

A memorial gathering will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2016, at the Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home. Memorials can be directed to the American Cancer Society or recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.