Karen Lee (Jarppi) Linnell age 81, of St. Michael, passed away peacefully at her home Nov. 29, 2019. She was born August 12, 1938 in Minneapolis, MN to Henry Livingston Jarppi and Gladys Miriam (Peterson) Jarppi. Karen spent her childhood years in the Glenwood Avenue area and graduated from North High. After High School Karen worked for Munsingwear in the now International Market Square Building, then she married her long-time love Richard Wayne Linnell. They were married August 17, 1957. Richard was shortly drafted to the Army after and served during the Korean War. Karen joined him and lived in Tacoma, WA for a short period and then they moved back home to MN. They then had two children Bradley Kenneth and Laura Lee and resided in Brooklyn Center.
Karen has been a long-time member of the Mes Amies. (my friends in French) A group of childhood friends and they have remained friends ever since. Karen would look forward to playing Domino’s with her Mes Amies once a month. Karen was also a volunteer to the Glenwood Avenue Reunion for many years. She worked for Park Center High School and some odds and ends jobs but always a homemaker, loving Mom and wife.
Karen enjoyed crocheting, scrapbooking, crossword puzzles, cooking, bowling, golf, spending time at the lake, her doggie Zoey, and most importantly spending time with her family and her granddaughters. Karen always had time for an ear to listen and she always had a great,” that Karen” grin! She was also very true to her Finnish heritage every year attending the Temperance Corner festival, in celebration to her ancestors.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and loving husband of 61 years, Richard Wayne Linnell.
She is survived by her son, Bradley Kenneth (Dana) Linnell; daughter, Laura Lee Rooker; son-in-law, Chris Rooker; grandchildren, Alaina, Taylor, Sydney, Jaiden and Mia; brother, Richard (Jan) Jarppi; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.
A memorial visitation will take place Saturday, December 21, 2019 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM with prayer service at 4:00 PM at The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael, MN.