Karen Vangness

Karen May Vangness (Bluhm) age 82, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024 at Season's Hospice. She was born May 3rd 1942 in Waldorf to Martin and Dorothy (Young) Bluhm. She attended school in Waldorf. In June 1962 she married Robert Thorson and had 2 children. They later divorced. On January 2nd 1977 she married Roger Vangness. Karen worked in manufacturing most of her life which included Wonderbread, Telex, and Crenlo which she retired from in 1998. If you knew Karen she was an avid Vikings and Twins fan. You would find her on game days either cheering on her team or cussing them out. She enjoyed getting together for a cold beer (Butt Light) as she called it, playing a few pull tabs and watching her great grandchildren run around. She was a Post 92 American Legion Auxiliary member of 37 years .

She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Roger Vangness; daughter Brenda Ewing (Brian Josselyn); grandchildren Zach Ewing (April Nelson), Cody Ewing; great grandchildren Mackenzie and Maverick Ewing; son Barry (Kristy) Thorson, grandchild Drew (Rachel) Thorson and great grandson Easton Thorson; sister Claudette (Brian) Swenson; Sister-in-laws; Becky and Shirley Bluhm, Sandi (Dean) Solberg, Bev (Dan) Harris, Jeannie Vangness, Sheri (Chuck) Finger; brother-in-laws; Steve (Gayle) Vangness and Louie (Cathy) Vangness. Karen also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Karen is preceded in death by brothers, Gary, Larry, Clinton, John and Willard Bluhm; Parents Martin and Dorothy Bluhm, sister Cleone, sister-in-laws Dorothy, Kathy, and Joyce Bluhm, sister-in-law Pat Olevson, mother and father in law June and Ken Vangness, and Nephew JJ (Jeremy) Harris.

Karen's family would like to thank the Palliative Care team at OMC along with the wonderful staff and at Seasons Hospice.

There will be a visitation from 5-7pm on Monday, August 19, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester). Burial will take place at the Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Vangness family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com