Karen Gay Rudeen

Karen Gay Rudeen, age 84, of North Oaks, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at Waverly Gardens in North Oaks, Minnesota. Karen was born on February 21, 1941, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the youngest child of Nels and Evelyn Rudeen. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Richard (Margaret) Rudeen; her sister, Dianne Chapman; and brother-in-law, William Chapman, Jr. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Margaret Rudeen of Golden Valley; nephews, Kent (Janelle Franzmeier) Rudeen and Scott (Jenny) Chapman; nieces, Kristyn (Bill) Heegaard, Lynne Voss, and Amy (Eric) Brehm; great-nephew, Nathan Rudeen; and great-nieces, Leighton and Sophia Rudeen Heegaard. A 1959 graduate of Golden Valley High School, Karen earned her degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Minnesota in 1963. Upon graduation, she was offered a position at the University Hospital. However, her start was delayed when human resources deemed her unfit due to her history as a polio survivor-a decision that was ultimately overturned. Karen went on to have a long and meaningful career as an occupational therapist, working at the University Hospital, St. John's in St. Paul, Hudson Memorial Hospital in Wisconsin, and the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Clinic. Over the course of decades, she made a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of patients. Karen was also a deeply spiritual person who leaned on her faith throughout her life. It was both a source of strength and guidance, especially in the face of physical challenges. Her devotion was evident not only in her active role at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church-where she taught Sunday School and coordinated volunteers for Steeple People-but also in her service on the boards of the Koinonia Retreat Center and Charitable Technologies International (CTI), the latter of which supported sustainable solutions for impoverished communities-such as an innovative potato-drying process used in India to prevent spoilage. A passionate traveler, Karen journeyed to Canada with friends, and with her mother on a church-sponsored tour through England, Greece, the Holy Land, and Egypt. Her most impactful adventure was a trip to India with the CTI team, an experience she cherished and often recounted. Despite the physical challenges she faced due to polio, Karen lived with strength, determination, and joy. Recently, with the help of a dear friend at Waverly Gardens, she self-published her autobiography, On the Wings of Adversity. Copies are available from the family upon request. Karen had an extraordinary gift for connection. She "never met a stranger" and took genuine interest in every person she met. Her memory for names and families was remarkable, and she always asked after others with warmth and sincerity. She adored animals and shared many years with her spirited Finnish Spitz, Nikki, followed by her gentle Scottish Terrier, Daphne, a devoted lap companion in her later years. An avid game enthusiast, Karen excelled at word and card games, and played regularly with friends at Waverly Gardens-right up to her final days. A celebration of Karen's life will be held at Waverly Gardens Chapel, 5919 Centerville Rd, North Oaks, MN 55127, on Friday, May 16th at 2:00 PM. Visitation and refreshments to follow. A private interment will take place at Lakewood Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorials in honor of Karen can be made to the Shriners Children's Hospitals, https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/campaign/673878/donate?c_src=google&c_src2=superhero-brand-2025&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzYLABhD4ARIsALySuCSYbEJoTFfSV-sFgB27AqMkXHnvTo7OmwdVTcSJetFIgtPj12g_UHYaAsSsEALw_wcB Second Chance Animal Rescue in White Bear Lake, https://secondchancerescue.org/contributions/ or an organization of your choice.

Tributes

Karen Gay Rudeen

February 21, 1941 - April 10, 2025

Tributes

Karen Gay Rudeen

February 21, 1941 - April 10, 2025

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