Karen Swendra passed away on Friday, March 23, 2018 after her courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her loving family at her home in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Scripture Service will be held 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Bob Schreiner officiating. Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Brooks, MN following the service. Visitation will be held on Thursday 5 PM until the time of service at the church.

Karen Lynn Reese was born June 27, 1967 in Meriden, CT, daughter of Ambrose "Nick" and Janet Louise (McBride) Reese. She was raised in Southington, CT. She attended Plainville High School graduating in 1985. In 2000, she moved with her family from Bristol, CT to St. Hilaire, MN.

On April 18, 2015 she was united in marriage to Ben Swendra. The couple made their home in Red Lake Falls. Karen was employed at Digi Key for 17 years as a research analyst.

Karen enjoyed being with family and friends. She loved spending time with her grandchild and attending Bailey's sporting events.  Her dogs were very important to her. She was a dedicated Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan.  Coffee on the deck with her family and friends was one of her favorite things to do.  She enjoyed hunting with family.  Also, buying things for her granddaughter on Amazon was one of her favorite past times.

Karen is survived by her husband Ben of Red Lake Falls, MN; children Norman Pelletier II of Red Lake Falls, MN, Kayla (Dominic) Kringlen of Grand Forks, ND and Bailey Hince of Red Lake Falls, MN; granddaughter Logan Marie Kringlen; brothers Ricky (Sharon) Reese of St. Hilaire, MN, Dennis Reese of Brooks, MN and Greg (Billie) Reese of West Hartford, CT along with mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and many other family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and late husband Norman Pelletier I.