Karen Ridlon

Karen Ridlon, a 48-year-old resident of Little Falls, MN passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at her home in Little Falls, MN. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 4, 2016, at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN with Father Joe Herzing officiating. Burial will take place in Oakland Cemetery in Little Falls, MN. A visitation will be held from 10-11 A.M. on Saturday, June 4, 2016, at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Karen Sue Ridlon was born on October, 24th, 1967, in Marshall, MN. She was the second daughter of Ben and Jackie Ridlon. Karen spent her childhood in Marshall and attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School and later Marshall Senior High School. Karen went on to further her education and graduated with a degree in cosmetology at the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis, MN and a business degree from Southwest State University in Marshall, MN. Karen had a lengthy career in cosmetology and won first place in the National Photo Contest at the Barbers National Competition. Eventually, she fulfilled her dream of owning her own salon. Through the years, she had many clients who became close friends. Her latest occupation was working at the St. Cloud Hospital, in St. Cloud, MN, as a Respiratory Care Assistant. She was also studying to become a Registered Nurse. Karen lived a very fruitful, fulfilling life. She was adventurous, free-spirited and had a strong passion for traveling. Her travels brought her to many places around the world, including many trips to Europe to visit family. Although she loved to travel, Karen was able to find solace while knitting quietly at home accompanied by a cup of coffee and her dog Zeus. Karen also enjoyed running, biking, kayaking, working out, hunting and much more. She ran the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN. She also completed a bicycle ride from Minneapolis to Chicago for the Aids Life Cycle Foundation to raise money and awareness. She was very dedicated to helping others and later joined the United States Army at the age of 40 years old. Karen had many joys in life but found the most joy when spending time with her family. Her two sons, John and Ethan, and grandson Nolan held the largest place in her heart. She was very affectionate and had one of the softest of souls. She had a smile that could light up the world and a belly laugh that would leave us in tears. Karen's small frame was home to the biggest, most genuine heart. She was truely adored by so many. She will be remembered as a beautiful, hardworking, devoted mother. Karen is survived by her two sons, John and Ethan; her parents, Ben and Jackie; her sister, Tammy Bukowski; and her grandson, Nolan Doom. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Rose Webb and Alyce and Robert Ridlon.

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Karen Ridlon

October 24, 1967 - May 24, 2016