Karen Utpadel

Karen M. Utpadel, age 72, of Owatonna, MN, and formerly of Faribault, passed away July 15, 2014 at the Kenyon Sunset Home in Kenyon, MN following an extended illness.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 21, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at Our Lady of the Pines Cemetery in Nevis, MN at a later date.

Memorial visitation will be held on Monday from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Faribault Area Hospice in memory of Karen.

Arrangements are being completed with the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.

Karen Marsha Sarbaum, the daughter of Sylvester "Swede" and Clarissa (Larson) Sarbaum, was born on September 5, 1941 in Marion, ND. She attended Nevis High School and graduated with the class of 1959. After high school, Karen earned her Associates Degree from the Minnesota School of Business. On September 4, 1965 she was united in marriage to Charles Kastner in Santa Barbara, CA. They had lived in Park Rapids, MN for a number of years before moving to Faribault in 1975. Karen first worked at Nutting Truck & Caster Co. and then for over 25 years at the Faribault Clinic and later Allina Clinic, retiring in 2006. Charles preceded her in death on April 9, 1993. Later Karen married Darold Utpadel and they lived in Owatonna. Darold preceded her in death in 1999. Karen was an active volunteer with the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Claremont, MN. She was also an avid bowler and enjoyed fishing and dancing.

She is survived by her daughter, Joanne (Tim) Giese of Kasson, MN and their children, Thomas Kastner and his son Kasch Kastner, Alyssa Kastner, Danielle Hukriede and Katimm Giese and by her son, John (Kathy) Kastner of Faribault, MN and their children, Erin Kastner and Nate Kastner and by other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands and by her brother, Donald Sarbaum.