Karen Mae Schutz
Thursday, February 8, 1945
Date of Death:
Monday, March 23, 2026
Age:
81 years old
Visitation
Date: Saturday April 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Saturday April 11, 2026
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Le Roy Cemetery [ view map ]
Livestream
Please CLICK HERE to view Karen's Service.
Thursday, February 8, 1945
Date of Death:
Monday, March 23, 2026
Age:
81 years old
Thursday, February 8, 1945
Date of Death:
Monday, March 23, 2026
Age:
81 years old
Karen Mae Schutz
Karen Mae Schutz
February 8, 1945 – March 23, 2026
Karen Mae Schutz, 81, passed away peacefully at her home on March 23, 2026.
Born on February 8, 1945, in Riceville, Iowa, to Carl and Page (Martin) Smith, Karen grew up in LeRoy, Minnesota, where she developed the kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit that defined her life. On October 9, 1965, she married her forever love, Cedric Schutz, beginning a devoted partnership rooted in laughter, loyalty, and deep commitment.
Karen welcomed her son, TJ, in 1970 and later her daughter Rindy in 1975. She embraced her role as a stay‑at‑home mother and caretaker, pouring her heart into raising her children and creating a home filled with encouragement, comfort, and the irresistible smell of something delicious baking in the oven.
She began her career as a hairdresser & taught cosmetology in Rochester.
Once her children were in school Karen returned to doing hair.
A proud and devoted grandmother, Karen, cherished every moment spent with her family. She was a loyal friend with a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. Cooking and baking were among her greatest joys, and she expressed her love most naturally through caring for and feeding others.
Karen enjoyed her girl time walking with friends around Silver Lake, sharing stories, laughter, and companionship along the way. She had a lifelong love of animals and cared for many beloved dogs and cats, each one treated as a true member of the family. Karen embodied kindness, grace, and unconditional love. Even through years of health challenges, she remained positive, strong, and steadfast in her desire to care for others, even when she herself needed care. Karen is survived by her loving husband, Cedric; her son; TJ (Melissa) Schutz; her daughter, Rindy Schutz; her cherished grandchildren, Rachel and Carl Schutz; her brother-in-law, Barton (Lynne) Schutz; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Page Smith; her siblings, Peggy (Mike) Leuck and Patty (Denny) Harvey; and her in-laws, Elmer and Clara Schutz.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Rochester Ronald McDonald House.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at a later date in the LeRoy Cemetery.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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Condolences
The family of Karen Mae Schutz has received the following condolences.
Our deepest condolences to Cedric, TJ, Rindy and family. We knew Karen and Cedric as neighbors on 7 1/2 Ave NE and have many fond memories of babysitting TJ and Rindy as well as taking care of their house and their dogs, Jeager and Heidi. We are grateful that Karen reached out to us online in recent months and re-lived some fun stories. She made us smile, remembering our dad insisting she take a bucket of smelt fish and recounting the escapades of the dog, Heidi. We remember the family fondly and are sending our heartfelt sympathies. We know she was loved and will be missed.
Sincerely,
Libby, Diane and Margaret and the Gardner family
So sorry guys to hear this about Karen. may God's grace find your hearts and heal through time and the holy spirit.
I met Karen many, many years ago when her daughter Rindy, and I became friends. She had such a fun personality, a great laugh and was an amazing cook. Rindy would come over every week to watch our shows and bring Karen's amazing food to almost every get together. I'm so thankful that I had the chance to know her and see her occasionally over the years.
I'm so grateful for Karen that she is free of any pain and suffering that she had over the years. But, my heart is absolutely broken for her family and countless loved ones. I'm holding the Schutz family close to my heart. My deepest symtathies.