Karen Joy Muller

Muller, Karen J. (Farmer) 84 of Minneapolis, left us on November 24, 2023. Karen was born in Providence, Rhode Island, sister to Nancy and daughter of William and Helen Farmer. She graduated from Rhode Island State College where she studied elementary education. After college, Karen began a teaching career that spanned many years, starting in Providence, continuing in Duluth, and eventually ending in Minneapolis. Along the way, she positively impacted the lives of many students and their families. In 1962, Karen's sister, set Karen up on a blind date with Noel P. Muller. In advance, she told Karen, "Noel went to Harvard, but you will like him anyway." Indeed, Karen did like him; the two were married later that same year. In 1963, Karen and Noel moved to Minnesota, where she taught school and financially supported the young couple while he attended U of M Law School. In 1966, they moved to Duluth, where they made many life-long friends, and started their family. In 1975, Noel, Karen, and their two young sons (Matthew and Andrew), moved to Minneapolis. Over the ensuing decades, Karen made time to volunteer at Minneapolis Public Schools, Mt. Olivet Church, United Way, and numerous other organizations. Throughout these years, she shared her cheery personality, wit, humor, and tireless energy with all. As empty nesters, Karen and Noel traveled together throughout the United States and much of the world. Even when Noel's health declined, they were known to hop in the car on the spur of the moment and head cross country. Often to visit their old friends, like John and Sarah Middleton in Texas, or Karen's sister, Nancy, and her nieces, Meredith, and Julie, in Rhode Island. Over the course of their 57-year marriage, Karen and Noel managed to visit every state in the Union at least once, along with more than 20 countries. Karen was known for her curiosity and interest in other people. She was a lifelong learner, going back to school several times well into her 50s. She also had an uncanny ability to draw people out of themselves. Her sincere interest in others and her easy-going style allowed people to open up about themselves in her presence. Consequently, she never lacked for friends, just as she never lacked for words. After caring for Noel in the latter stages of his life, Karen devoted her time to her adult children, Matthew and Andrew, their wives (Tatiana and Tanya) and her eight grandchildren (Emery, Kosta, Galen, Augustine, Sava, Andrew, Henry, and Brennan). In late 2022, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given just weeks to live, Karen moved into hospice care. First, staying with her son Andrew and his family, where Tanya Muller provided Karen round-the-clock care. Then, after four months, Karen moved to N.C. Little Memorial Hospice, where she received the same level of care and love as she had received while living with her children. Little Hospice was conveniently located by the Southdale mall, thus enabling all family members to visit her nearly every day which, in itself, was a blessing for both Karen and the family. While in hospice care, Karen continued to connect with those around her and impact their lives in unexpectedly positive ways. Her bright light endured for months beyond all reasonable expectations, without her once complaining. Eventually, however, even the brightest star must fade: On November 24, in the early morning after Thanksgiving, Karen went peacefully from this world, leaving behind a legacy of caring for others--family, friends, and strangers, alike. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her younger brother, Billy, and her husband, Noel. She is survived by her sons, her daughters-in-law, her grandchildren, her sister and nieces, and countless friends - all whose lives she made better by simply conversing and laughing with them. Her funeral will be held on January 12, 2024, 1 P.M., at the Lakewood Cemetery chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave. South in Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to N.C. Little Memorial Hospice in Karen's memory: littlehospice.org/.... Those who are unable to donate can equally honor Karen's memory by simply asking someone else about their life and listening to the answer. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Karen Joy Muller

January 12, 1939 - November 24, 2023

Tributes

Karen Joy Muller

January 12, 1939 - November 24, 2023

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