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TAUNTON--Karen R. Richmond, age 80, of Taunton, MN, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026 at her home. Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17, at Bethany-Elim Lutheran Church in Ivanhoe, MN. Visitation will be Friday, October 16, 4 - 7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. Prayer Service at Bethany-Elim Lutheran Church and will resume Saturday one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at a later date at the Lincoln Icelandic Lutheran Cemetery. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Karen Rose Richmond was born June 18, 1946 in Hartford, Connecticut to Triggvi "Willard" and Mary Elizabeth (Peters) Isfeld. At an early age, Karen moved with her family to Ivanhoe, MN where she graduated from Ivanhoe High School in 1964. She continued her education at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, graduating with a bachelor's degree in education in 1967.
She was united in marriage to Dale Richmond on June 24, 1967. They continued the family legacy of farming in Lincoln County, MN, proudly carrying on as the fourth generation.
Karen was a kindergarten teacher in Ivanhoe and Hendricks where she taught for 34 years. Teaching was more than a career to her, it was one of her greatest joys. She dedicated herself to educating, encouraging and inspiring her students. She found true happiness in the classroom and cherished the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many.
Her love for reading extended far beyond the classroom. She found great joy in reading books to her students, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Whether in the classroom or in everyday life, she treasured each moment as she shared her love of books with others.
Upon her retirement, Karen's love for education continued as she volunteered as the school librarian in Ivanhoe. She proudly taught multiple generations of families throughout her career. What made it even more special, was being the kindergarten teacher to Kathy, Jennifer and Molly, and later continuing to share her love of learning as the school librarian for Megan and Karrie.
She was actively involved in the church and WELCA, generously sharing her time and talents with her church family. Karen also valued the friendships and fellowships she found through the retired teachers' group, Knights of Knowledge, book club, and card club. She loved spending time in her kitchen, cooking, baking, and planning special meals. Her signature ice cream bucket filled with chocolate chip cookies became a familiar sight and a sweet reminder of the love and thoughtfulness she poured into everything she did.
One of her favorite places was the cabin at Lake Cochrane. She enjoyed swimming with her grandchildren, planning gatherings, and enjoying a simple campfire with her favorite people.
Faith was the foundation of her life. She expressed her faith through her words and actions, and she willfully shared it with those around her.
Karen was truly a ray of sunshine in the lives of all who knew her. Her kindness, warm smile, and loving heart had a way of making everyone around her feel special. Though she will be deeply missed, the light she brought into this world will continue to shine through the countless lives she touched and the beautiful memories she leaves behind.
Above all else, Karen's greatest joy was her family, and she treasured every moment with those she loved.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 59 years, Dale Richmond, Taunton, MN; two children: Dustin (Kristina) Richmond, Ivanhoe, MN and Nancy (Kelly) Krog, Taunton, MN; five grandchildren: Kathy (Chris) Wall, Karrie Richmond, Jennifer (Alex) Pohlen, Molly (Luke Jewett) Krog and Megan Krog; four great grandchildren: Huxley and Clayton Wall and McKinley and Hallie Pohlen; and sister Joan (Chuck) Mahaffy.
Waiting to greet her in heaven are her parents, Willard and Mary Elizabeth Isfeld and in-laws, Ernest and Leona Richmond.