Services for Annabelle Jane Karel,
Mon, 11/14/2022 - 8:45am
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Annabelle Jane Karel, 97, of West Concord, died Monday, November 7, 2022 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.
She was born May 12, 1925 in Backoo, ND to parents James and Edna Smith. She was orphaned at age 14 during the Great Depression but was able to complete high school in Walhalla ND and then married Lanis Karel in 1943. They stayed on the Karel family farm near Leroy, ND during the early years of their marriage. In 1948, thanks to a loan from a neighbor who trusted in their work ethic, they bought a farm near Oklee, MN where they lived for the next 46 years.
Annabelle was a farmer’s wife who did it all; maintaining a spotless home, sewing clothes for three daughters, helping with the cows and field work, working from dawn to dusk. She valued the friendships she made through the Hollyhocks Homemaker Club, the Brooks-Plummer Presbyterian Ladies Aid, and quilting bees with the neighbor ladies.
In 1994 Annabelle and Lanis retired and moved to Detroit Lakes; in 2017 they moved to Byron and then West Concord. Before and after retirement they spent nearly 40 winters in Apache Junction and Mesa, AZ. They enjoyed these winters immensely, with a wide circle of friends and many travels. The Karel’s became known as the makers of thousands of Aggravation board games, shipping them around the world. Annabelle was also adept at a number of crafts; hardanger, quilting, ceramics and was generous in giving her handwork to friends and family.
Annabelle is survived by three daughters and one son; Karen (Morley) Peterson of West Concord, Louise (Delphus) Hanson of Savage, Susan Lommen of Rochester, Kevin Karel of Pelican Rapids, plus grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 77 years, Lanis who passed in May 2020; brothers William and Harold and sisters, Marian and Katherine.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, West Concord with Pastor Chad Christensen officiating immediately followed by coffee and dessert reception. Private interment will be held at a later date.
Michaelson Funeral Homes, Inc.
P.O. Box 482, 1930 Austin Road
Owatonna, MN 55060
(507) 451-7943
