Karen Marie (Pacovsky) Nyenhuis, 60, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, at her home.

Karen was born on July 5, 1957, to Joe and Elsie (Kycek) Pacovsky. She grew up with two older sisters, one older brother and two younger brothers on a farm one mile east of Glenville, Minnesota. Karen was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church of Glenville. She enjoyed spending time outdoors and the Czech food her mom would prepare, especially prune dumplings. Karen graduated from Glenville High School in 1975 and she attended Mankato State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in dietetics. She completed an internship at Oklahoma State University and, with the help of her dad, got a job at St. John’s Lutheran Community, where she worked for 35 years. She truly loved being with the residents and their families. On Nov. 6, 1993, Karen married Harry James Nyenhuis at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church in Albert Lea. From this union, two children were born, Elise Marie and Brady James. Above everything else, Karen loved her family very much, going for rides and laughing. She was always there to help when it was needed and put others’ needs before her own, traits she passed onto her children. Karen was a lifetime member of WFLA Lodge No. 44, was the Lodge secretary, and was so proud of her Czech heritage.

Karen is survived by her husband, Harry; two children, Elise and Brady; siblings, Joe (Katherine) Pacovsky, Elaine Pacovsky, Barb (Bob) Nathanson, Frank Pacovsky, and Fred (Shelley) Pacovsky; brothers-in-law, Oscar Christopherson and John Nyenhuis; sister-in-law, Ann (Earl) Lynne; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Elsie; in-laws, Henry and Georgia Nyenhuis; and sister-in-law, Mary Christopherson.

Karen would be honored best by your spending time loving and caring for your family and friends. Blessed be her memory. She will always be remembered and loved.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church. Father Kurt Farrell will officiate. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.