Karen Vlasta Nelson

Karen Vlasta Nelson

Minnetonka, Minn.

Karen Vlasta Nelson, 80, of Minnetonka, Minn., passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Hope Springs Assisted Living Center in Minnetonka, Minn. Private funeral services will be held. Private entombment will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum.

Karen was born on Dec. 25, 1942, to Ernest and Vlasta Kosek. Karen was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She attended George Washington High School, Class of 1960. One of her classmates stated, “She was a beautiful person, she brightened the high school experience for many of us.”

Karen married Terry Nelson, whom years later

she would divorce. Their marriage produced two children who meant the world to Karen. Their early years of marriage were spent in Cedar Rapids and Glen Ellyn, Ill. Although divorced, Terry and his wife Judy would become Karen’s strong advocates and friends until the end of her life.

Karen battled mental illness throughout her adult life, which ultimately necessitated living in assisted care. Initially, living in Cedar Rapids, at Garnett Place, then joining her son in Minnesota, and living at Lake Minnetonka Care Center in Deep Haven, Minn., then to their new facility, Hope Springs Assisted Living in Minnetonka, Minn.

Karen was known by all as a kind, loving, and caring soul. She enjoyed playing games with the other residents. She was a talented artist and crafter. Going on outings was always a fun time, especially if the destination was Caribou Coffee, where she would always order a Northern Highlight with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle, after which she would always lament, “I shouldn’t have had that!”

Karen enjoyed attending Minnesota St. Paul Church of Christ, often with her son Todd. She enjoyed Bible Studies and was often found reading the Bible to others.

Despite all of the activities of the day, the most important part of Karen’s day was when her son or brother would call.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Vlasta Kosek, and her sister Ann Jeanette Kincaide. She is survived by her daughter Dr. Lisa Ann Nelson, Manhattan Beach, Calif., son Todd Nelson, Mesa, Ariz., granddaughters Eva Abramson and Isabella Trabraue of California, and brother Ernest (Susan) Kosek, Cedar Rapids, and her special nieces Wendy, Stephanie, Brook, Jennifer, Angela; and nephew Geoff, as well as her wonderful, caring, and dedicated friends O.T. (Terry) and Judy Nelson.

A special thank-you to the staff at Hope Springs who cared for and spoiled Karen. Volunteers and caring friends of Karen’s at Hope Springs, Kent and Connie Oliver.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to: (NAMI), National Alliance on Mental Illness, 3839 Merle Hay Rd., Ste. 229, Des Moines, IA 50310.

Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.