Karen Gail Junkans (Karjalainen)

Karen G. Junkans (Karjalainen), age 57, of Oakdale, MN, passed away unexpectedly at home on 11-30-2023. We will remember her as a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She loved her family, including her furbabies. In her free time, she could be found reading, crocheting, cooking and baking, enjoying time outside in the backyard or going for a walk with her pal, Bandit, swimming, spending time with her granddaughter and planning for her second granddaughter's arrival, partying with her girlfriends, making a spreadsheet to organize life, relaxing to a movie or show with her family, and was looking forward to future travel. She would always make time to listen without judgment and offer sound advice.

Additionally, she took great pride in her career, latest as a project consultant at Robert Half, and was always a great role model of hard work and ethics to her children. Karen was always a genuine, kind person who always radiated gentleness, calmness, and warmth. All these aspects made up a truly beautiful person who will forever be deeply missed and cherished by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her father, Elmer; friend, Juile; and admired musician, Prince. Karen is survived by her husband of 36 years, Paul; daughter, Lauren; son, Daniel; son-in-law, Joe; granddaughter, Róisín; mother, Ruth; sister, Barb; Dog, Bandit; and Cat, Cleocatra. The funeral service is at 3 PM on Saturday, December 16th, at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater, MN 55082, with visitation beginning at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request help to continue a newer tradition of baking Christmas cookies with grandma by bringing cookies to share and swap. The family will provide take-home containers.