Karen Ann Busta

Karen Ann Busta October 28, 1938 to February 14, 2024 Karen passed away peacefully with her oldest daughter, Lori, by her side on February 14, 2024. Karen shared genuine love and friendship with those she met and found some piece of good in everything and everyone that crossed her path. She showed that with the warm smile she used to greet everyone who entered the room. Karen graduated from St Louis Park High School in 1956, and attended Piedmont College in Georgia in 1957; in the following years, she ventured to California and Colorado with her husband Fred while raising their three kids, Lori, Dane, and Joni. As we all know, though, her heart was always here in Minnesota, returning here in the late 70s to be close to her parents, Harald and Freda Helseth, her brother Kim Helseth, her sister Diane Cheshier, and her many extended family members and friends, that she grew up with. While back in Minnesota, Karen met Mel Busta in 1983 and married in 1988, celebrating 35 years of marriage together. They shared all life threw at them with love and humor. Mel's medical changes and Karen's many battles with cancer all were greeted with so much determination to be the best they could be for each other. Many will remember the fun of being Santa and Mrs. Claus at several events. They were a hit! The love and humor they shared was strong; in the last couple of years, while they lived apart, unable to visit each other in person daily, they still spoke for many hours on the phone. We often share with anyone who would listen how when we would bring them together in the same room, the smiles on their faces were bright, and the love they shared would light up the whole room. She would want me to remember so many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, but too many to list. Just know that she loved each of you deeply. We do want to give a special thank you to cousin Donna Fundingsland for all the love, support, and help over the last couple of years to make Karen and Mel comfortable, especially when we could not be there. In one of the last long conversations we had, she was counting up the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and great, great-grandchildren she had; she gave a bright smile and said, "I started all of that!" so I will share each of them with you: Proceeded in death by: Parents, Harald and Freda (Beyer) Helseth Brother, Kim Helseth Son, Dane (Rachael) Schubitzke Survived by: Husband, Mel Busta Daughters Lori Ellingen and Joni (Kris) Hodne Step-sons Jeff Busta and Jim Busta Sister, Diane (Harley) Cheshier Grandchildren: Susan (Scooter) Geigerich, Joe (Johanna) Unzen, Sarah Dorsett • Great Grandchildren: River (Caitlynn) Giegerich, Kaylee Giegerich, Ayden Giegerich, Henry Unzen, Noah Unzen, Josh Dorsett, Zachary Dorsett, Brandon Dorsett, Dylan Stanfield, • Great, great-grandchildren: Amelia Giegerich Grandchildren: Dane Schubitzke Jr., Kimberly (Schubitzke) Campos, Tawdry Schubitzke • Great Grandchildren: Bruce Schubitzke, Mara Jade Schubitzke, Krysten Campos, Aidan Campos, Louis Staudt Grandchildren: Erica (Andy) Althoff, Matthew (Emily) Paulson, Jake Hodne, Kayla Hodne • Great Grandchildren: Ava Althoff, Blake Hodne Many family members live out of town, so in consideration of them, we are planning a memorial service and celebration of life for Karen in the spring when the weather gets warmer, and we can enjoy a day of sunshine, stories, and love together. We will plan on gathering at Washburn-McReavy Eden Prairie April 27th, @ 12:00pm with a visitation one hour prior. A reception will follow.

Tributes

Karen Ann Busta

October 28, 1938 - February 14, 2024

Tributes

Karen Ann Busta

October 28, 1938 - February 14, 2024

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