Karen Jo Noltee
Wednesday, December 21, 1938
Date of Death:
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Age:
86 years old
Wednesday, December 21, 1938
Date of Death:
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Age:
86 years old
Wednesday, December 21, 1938
Date of Death:
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Age:
86 years old
Karen Jo Noltee
Karen Jo Noltee – Rochester
Karen Jo (Washburn) Noltee, 86, passed away on September 30, 2025, following a brief illness at Rochester Methodist Hospital.
Karen, born on December 21, 1938, was the oldest child to Harold and Adeline (Brandvik) Washburn. She married Richard Hansen in 1957, and together they had a daughter, Kari. They later divorced. Karen married Dennis Noltee Sr. on January 17, 1975, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua Iowa, celebrating 50 years together this past January.
Karen led a full and vibrant life. She began her career in Financial Credit Services and transitioned into customer service in later years. She was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In her younger years, Karen enjoyed roller skating and transitioned into spending time at the lake with Denny. They started with camping, upgraded to an RV, and eventually owned their cabin for over 20 years. Karen had a remarkable talent for gardening, with a particular love for hostas, fairy gardens, and succulents. She was deeply involved in the local gardening community, participating in several organizations, teaching classes when able, and participating in garden tours and plant sales. Karen was known for her feisty, creative, and giving nature, and her green thumb will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Dennis; daughter Kari Fairclough; grandchildren Heather (Brent) Weber, Ted (Sara) Fairclough; great-grandchildren Josie Weber, Emily Christenson and Nathan Fairclough; step-son Dennis Noltee Jr., step-grandchildren Shayla Lemon and Quinn Noltee, and step-great grandchildren James, Jack and Lexin.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents, brother Charles Washburn, and son-in-law Tim Fairclough.
The memorial service for Karen will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, October 2, 2025 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be held starting at 9:30AM prior to the service, in the chapel. A private graveside service will be held at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Preston, MN at a future date.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
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Condolences
The family of Karen Jo Noltee has received the following condolences.
Sorry for your loss mom did day care in the 80s and she babysit Dennis Jr and l remember when Karen and Dennis would pick him up
Dennis, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We have known and worked with Karen through the RGFC and SOGHS. She will be dearly missed.
Dennis & family, we are saddened and shocked with this news. Carol has known Karen as a good friend for many years through the garden and hosta clubs. We are in Hawaii , but will be thinking of her as we tour gardens this week. Carol & Dave
I will miss Karen as part of our Hosta Society. I still remember seeing her fairy gardens and mini hostas on one of my first garden tours.
Dear Denny and family,
Our sincere condolences and sympathy on the loss of a grand lady, Karen. We will miss her lovely smile and lively spirit. Karen was a wonderful teacher of all types of hosta and many perennials. Our hearts go out to you all May your memories give you comfort and happiness.
With love and prayers, Dean and Deborah Davis
I am soooo sorry to hear about Karen's passing..Hugs to you Kari and family ❤️I will be with you in my thoughts Thursday
To Dennis and family,
Heartfelt condolences at this time. There are no words that could express to you how very sorry I am. It was a moment in time that I had the honer and the blessing to have met both out you. Karen has made an inpact in her life and has touched many as she has touched mine.
Wishing you all the very best in this journey of healing and loss.
May peace be with you.
From the SSB Support Group to you and your Family,.
Jody
Blessings and heartfelt condolences to Karen’s family and all those who loved her. Karen had a special presence in the Rochester garden club…alway ready to share her talents and encouraging others to participate and learn about gardening. Her enthusiasm was contagious! I know I will miss her friendship and seeing her smiling face at our club events. To Dennis…may the sweet memories of your life together help heal your broken heart.
Sharon Pharis
My thoughts and prayers are with Denny and the rest of Karen’s family. Karen has always been so giving of her time and talents to the garden club. We will miss her energy, enthusiasm, and kindness. This is a great loss to her friends and community. As some else said - I am sure she is gardening in heaven.
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Karen. She was absolutely loved by so many people in our community. She always had a smile and laughter that made you feel special. I will never forget our days together going to roller skating competitions in many different states as we pretty much traveled to them as a group. It is because of her that I joined the Rochester flower and garden club and the Shades of Green Hosta Society. She was so helpful in helping me and giving me some of the plants in my garden . We pray for the family at this time of grief and loss. She will always have a place in our hearts. God bless! Bob and Karen Volden
Kari-So sorry to hear the news of your mother. I had the chance to meet and talk with her about Norwex and saw how talented she was at gardening. I won't be able to make it tomorrow but hugs to you and your family.
Carolyn Crane
Denny and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Karen. She was the "backbone' of the Rochester Garden and Hosta Clubs. I always appreciated her smile. A couple of years ago, she gave me some day lilies....I will always think of Karen when I see them bloom. Karen was always willing to help for all activities. Karen's smile and laughter will live in our hears forever. I am grateful and blessed to have known Karen. Karen was such an amazing person and what a remarkable life.
My sympathy to you Denny and your family. May God grant you comfort and peace.
"He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds" Psalms 147:3
Jackie Johnson-Howell
Dennis and family, we are so so sorry for your loss! Karen was a dear friend to many, always willing to help where needed, always a welcoming personality. She will be dearly missed!
I am so sorry for your loss. She will surely be missed a lot.
i am sure she will be helping to keep those gardens in heaven at their tiptop shape.
Heartfelt condolences to Uncle Denny and family. Always enjoyed her visits to PA and New York.