Karen Marie Puppe, age 81 of Goodhue, died on Tuesday evening, October 6, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Karen was born on February 18, 1945 in Red Wing, the daughter of Raymond and Marion (Benidt) Augustine. She graduated from Goodhue High School in 1963 and later received her degree in Food and Nutrition from Mankato State University in 1967.
Karen married Gerald E. Puppe on May 4, 1968 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Goodhue. Together they raised three children on their rural Goodhue farm, where Karen was a homemaker and worked the farm with Gerald. She later was a teller with the Goodhue Bank (now First Farmers and Merchants). Free time found Karen and Gerald dancing at the Skyline Ballroom, Red Wing. Karen was practical to a fault and treasured her simple life in their country home. She wouldn't change a thing!
She enjoyed being outdoors, especially on the farm, where she loved to feed the calves and tend to her flowers. Karen enjoyed singing and being part of the church choir at St. Peter's Lutheran Church. During quiet times at home, Karen found enjoyment in games of Solitaire and Sudoku and putting together puzzles.
Above all, her joy in life was her grandchildren. She loved making cookies, especially Christmas cookies, with them. She will be missed and loved always.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gerald; children, David (Jess) Puppe, Paula Puppe, and Sara (Dusty) Gold; grandchildren, Payton, Preston, Carter, Madeline, Jaxson, Michaela, Connor, Morgan, Addison, Emma, and Briahna; great-grandson, Henry; brother, Robert (Carlene) Augustine; sister-in-law, Barbara Augustine; brother-in-law, Lyle Puppe; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Marion Augustine; parents-in-law, Carl and Celia Puppe; and brother, Jim Augustine.
Visitation was held at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Goodhue on Sunday, Oct. 11 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. A memorial service was at church on Monday, Oct. 12 at 11:00 am, with visitation from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. This service was live-streamed by St. Peter's Church here Monday, October 12 at 11 am: Karen Puppe service. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery, Goodhue.
Active urn bearer was David Puppe.
