Karen Bloom

Karen T. Bloom, age 80 of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2019 at her home. Karen Tonette Kittleson was born on December 5, 1938, in Owasa, Iowa, the daughter of Sherwin Raymond and Ila Irene Viola (Bookhart) Kittleson. She grew up in St. Ansgar and graduated in 1956, from St. Ansgar High School. On August 5, 1956, Karen was united in marriage to Darrell Bloom at the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Karen began working for one year as a secretary for Prudential Insurance in Beloit, Wisconsin. She then worked as a secretary for a lawyer’s office in Austin, Minnesota for two years.  Karen then went on to a 40-year career working for the director of the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, in Austin, Minnesota, retiring in 2000. In addition to working for the Hormel Institute, Karen was also a full-time farm wife and would come home and help milk cows alongside her husband Darrell. During her retirement years, Karen loved to read, play on the computer, and enjoyed lots of crossword puzzles and word play games. She also enjoyed going camping and the privacy it gave her. Karen was a member of the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, Iowa. She was very family oriented and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Darrell Bloom of Austin, MN; children, Kathryn (Leonard) Dunn of Alta Vista, IA; Diane (Bruce Thompson) Hammermeister of Lake Mills, IA; Julie (Dave) Rye of Austin, MN; foster children; eight grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and two on the way; one great-great granddaughter; brothers, Stan (Judy) Kittleson of Blue Grass, IA, Roger (Julie) Kittleson of Waterloo, IA; sister-in-law, Maryann Kittleson of St. Ansgar, IA; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sherwin and Ila Kittleson; and one brother, Edward Kittleson.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Rev. Arvid Jovaag officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and will continue one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.