Karen Jane (Christensen) Menbreno was born on August 15, 1962, in Minneapolis, MN. She was a bundle of joy, received into the John, Susan, and Paul Christensen home at 8 months of age.

Karen was baptized at Spring Creek Lutheran Church and confirmed in her faith at Clarkfield Lutheran Church where she was involved in church activities and youth group. Karen attended school in Clarkfield where she was active in band, marching band, and piano before graduating from high school in 1980.

Upon graduation, Karen moved to Minneapolis and worked at WCCO for a time.  Later she moved back to the Marshall area and worked at the Marshall Independent Newspaper, as a bank teller, and at the Schwan's Call Center for several years. Karen loved making new friends and having conversations with people, which is why she enjoyed working in customer service.  Karen spoke fluent Spanish and loved to make homemade salsa and guacamole.

Karen suffered a stroke, paralyzing her left arm and leg, which left her unable to work. Over the past five years her health continued to decline.  She eventually moved to the Avera Granite Falls Care Center where she passed away on September 24, 2025, at the age of 63. She is preceded in death by her father, John Christensen. Karen is survived by her mother, Susan Christensen; brother, Paul Christensen, and many other family and friends. Blessed be her memory.

A gathering of family & friends will be held on Sunday, October 5th, 2025, at 2 PM at the J.H. Lynner Funeral Home in Clarkfield, followed by a memorial service at 3 PM. Interment to follow in Spring Creek Lutheran Cemetery, rural Clarkfield.