Karen Marie Audette , 67, of Crookston, MN, passed of health complications on January 19, 2022, at RiverView Health surrounded by her favorite Dr.'s and Nurses who had taken such amazing care of her over the last few years.

Karen was born on June 4, 1954 in Chisholm , Minnesota to Elmer (Pee-wee)  and Theresa (Hagl) Cardinal and was baptized into the Catholic faith on March 27, 1955. The family lived on the Iron Range until 1968 when the moved to Red Lake Falls, MN. She graduated in 1972 from Lafayette High School.

Karen gave birth to her son Marc on March 10 ^th , 1973 and son Nicholas on October 4, 1978. On October 10, 1987, she married the love of her life Gerald Henry Audette. This union gave her five stepchildren, John, Monica, Shelly, Jason and Jared. Gerald passed away in September of 1994 after 7 amazing years of marriage.

Karen worked for Polk County Social Services for 15 years as a Financial Worker until she retired.

Karen's door was always open to family and friends who needed a place to stay or just needed a chat. There was always a pot of coffee brewing, baked goods or a hot meal. She was always excited for her "Sisters Weekend" where her and her sisters Joyce, Janice and Linda, would get away and do their Christmas shopping and catch up with each other. She was known for her collection of fun and unique eye glasses and colorful hair. She enjoyed shopping, sewing, quilting, ceramics, canning and puzzles, but by far her favorite thing to do was hang out with her 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Special thanks go out to her PCA worker Deb Simpkins who went above and beyond in caring for Karen. Karen loved their time together canning, shopping, throwing garage sales and cooking. The family appreciated the amazing care that was given by Deb.

Karen is survived by her sons, Marc (Alisa) Cardinal of Crookston and Nicholas Cardinal of Red Lake Falls; 7 Grandchildren, Jasmyne (Corey) Ulmer of Ashley, ND, Hallie Cardinal of Crookston, Hunter (Breanna) Cardinal of Grand Forks, ND, Kaela Cardinal & Kendra Cardinal of Crookston, and Callie Cardinal and Carly Cardinal of Fargo, ND; 5 great granddaughters, Riley, Blake, Kensley, Braxlynn and Scarlett; and siblings, Janice (Fred Jr.) Landman of Red Lake Falls, Roger (Sally) Cardinal of Red Lake Falls, Dean Cardinal(Sandy Deroiser) of Red Lake Falls, Jay (Carla) Cardinal of Red Lake Falls, Linda Tvedt of Crookston and David Cardinal of Crookston, along with many nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held on January 27, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service. A celebration of Life and Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery of Red Lake Falls, MN in the spring. Those details will be passed along at a later date.