Karen Bode

Karen Bode, age 68, of Litchfield, died on April 1, 2013 at Emmanuel Home in Litchfield. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Christian Muellerleile officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening at Zion Lutheran Church from 5:00 until 8:00 PM and will continue one hour prior to the services. Interment will be at a later date. Karen Martha Louise (Kamrath) Bode, the daughter of Elvoin and Berneace (Huper) Kamrath, was born on June 2, 1944 in Albert Lea, MN. She grew up and received her education in Waldorf, MN. She graduated from Waldorf High School in 1962. Her education at Mankato State College was interrupted for a time while she started her family. On June 24, 1964, she was united in marriage to Fred Bode at Zoars United Church of Christ in Waldorf. She returned to Mankato State and received a degree in education. They moved to Litchfield in 1970 and she taught first grade at Wagner School. She ended her teaching career after 30 years at Ripley School teaching third grade. She was a member of the Red Hats and the Christian Women's Club. She was a Master Gardner and was very active member of Zion Lutheran Church. In her early years she was active in 4-H. Karen enjoyed gardening and spent much time at the Anderson Gardens and the Litchfield Community Garden. Her love of teaching spilled over into her love of gardening and she helped many children learn and enjoy gardening. She loved to spend time with her family especially her grandchildren. Karen had a servant heart and was deeply faithful. She was also fiercely independent and would advocate firmly for the things in which she believed. She is survived by her sons, Shawn (and Kelly Goeb) Bode of Moose Lake, and Shannon Bode of Starbuck, grandchildren, Ally, Aaron, Janna and Reese Bode, and brother Gary (and Colleen) Kamrath of Fort Dodge, Iowa. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews besides other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Fred. Previous Events Visitation Wednesday, April 3, 2013 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Zion Lutheran Church 504 North Gilman Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Thursday, April 4, 2013 11:00 AM Zion Lutheran Church 504 North Gilman Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355