Karen Eldora Ziemke

Karen Eldora Ziemke was born on February 21, 1961 to Harland and Elaine (Peterson) Jacobsen in Tracy, MN. She grew up attending Tracy Public Schools and graduated from Tracy High School in the spring of 1979.  She fell in love with Jerry Ziemke the couple was married on February 9, 1980 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy, MN. Together the couple has three children; Andrew, Bradley, and Cassie they raised their family in Garvin, MN. 

Karen always put family first. She was always planning family events and really enjoyed organizing family fun days. Her granddaughters Mackenzie and Madison were a highlight in her life. Karen was a paraprofessional at Tracy High School for more than twenty-five years retiring in the spring of 2023. She had many wonderful memories with her students and coworkers. Karen loved to read and actively participated in a book club. She had a talent for decorating and enjoyed decorating the family home and weddings. Karen had a passion for gardening and had a flower garden every year.

Karen died peacefully at home on Saturday, August 12, 2023 surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her husband Jerry Ziemke; children Andrew Ziemke, Bradley (Maria) Ziemke, Cassie Ziemke; granddaughters Mackenzie Ziemke and Madison Ziemke; siblings Charlie (Elsie) Jacobsen, Gene Jacobsen, Richard Jacobsen, Luann (Don) Hansen; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Karen is preceded in death by her parents Harland and Elaine (Peterson) Jacobsen; and sister-in-law Lynette Jacobsen.