Karen Ammerman

Karen Cecelia (Zimmel) Ammerman was born in Alexandria, MN on October 30, 1943 to Andrew and Dorathea (Muyres) Zimmel. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Nicholas Catholic Church. She attended and graduated from Osakis High School in 1961. Following her schooling, Karen moved down to Minneapolis and started working for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. She worked her way from starting as a switchboard operator to a group chief operator.

Karen met Paul Ammerman and the two were united in marriage on April 24, 1965 in Belle River. She was fortunate to be able to retire at the age of 48 and move on to a hobby farm in Villard with Paul. Karen spent her time taking care of the animals, tending to a garden and a greenhouse, and enjoying the outdoors. Karen also enjoyed traveling, fishing, and camping. She liked to spend her free time playing cards, doing puzzles, and reading. In 2012, she moved closer to Alexandria to be with her sister, Ramona. Karen moved to Grand Arbor in 2019 where she continued living until her time of passing.

She was a member of the Lowry Legion Auxiliary, Christian Mothers, Ladies Bowling in Osakis and the Red Hat Club. Karen will always be remembered for her kind smile; being a bonus grandma to her great-nieces and nephews; and for bringing the family together every 4th of July.

On October 2, 2020, Karen passed away at Alomere Health at the age of 76. She is survived by many close family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Darrel, Vincent, Romuald, and Kerry Zimmel; three sisters: Arlene Stedje, Violet LeRoy, and Ramona Radil; two nieces: Judith Bond and Kristen Stedje; and one nephew: Lee Radil.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2020, 10:30 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Villard, MN with visitation one-hour prior at the church. Interment will be at St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery in Belle River, MN.