Karen Elisabeth Putnam

Karen Elisabeth Putnam, age 66, of Winnebago, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 20, 2016. A Memorial service for Karen will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Winnebago, MN, with Rev, William Sabol presiding. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM Monday, December 26, 2016 at Spencer-Owen funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences may be left at www.spencerowen.com. Karen was born on June 23, 1950 in Fairmont, MN to James and Valeria (Kuehl) Palmer. She graduated from Huntley High School in 1968. Karen then attended Jackson Vocational School in 1969, where she received a degree in office management. Karen married James Putnam on May 31, 1969 at Lutheran Church of Our Savior of Winnebago, MN. She worked as an office administrator at Stokley Van Camp in Winnebago, MN from the time of her marriage to 1979. Karen decided to devote her time to raising her four children and providing day care to other parents in the community. She enjoyed crafts, creating cards, scrapbooking, gardening, and spending time with her family. She also was an active volunteer with the local food shelf, Meals on Wheels, Parker Oaks and her church. Karen is survived by her spouse of 47 years, James Putnam; children, Dawn (Dave) Erickson, Betsy (Matt) Mortenson, Michael Putnam, Melissa (Nathan) Steuer; grandchildren, Erickson family: Tyler (Brittany) and Megan, Mortenson family: Jacob (Brooke), Jordan (Rachel), and Zachary, Putnam family: Courtney, Steuer family: Christopher and Samantha; great-grandchildren, Erickson family: Makenah, Dacen, and Weston, Mortenson family: Haydyn, Jaxsyn, Jayse, Marshall and Alexander; siblings, Alan (Lois) Palmer, Diana Hoppe; and many other loving relatives and friends. Karen is preceded in death by her granddaughter, Erica Putnam; parents, James and Valeria Palmer; sister, Kathleen Palmer, and brother-in-law, Larry Hoppe.