Obituary of Karen Collingham Londo

Karen Collingham Londo age 64, of Minnetrista, MN died on Wednesday May 25th, 2022 at her home. She was born on August 23rd, 1957 in Worthington, MN to Harold & Viola (Kragh) Collingham. She attended public school and The First Baptist (Lakeside) Church in Worthington, MN. She played the clarinet in the Worthington H.S. marching band, was on the track & field team where she was nicknamed “turkey legs”, played softball & volleyball. Karen was a natural athlete & musician and lettered in all mentioned actives.

In 1975 at the age of 17 her life was forever changed when her father passed away from cancer months before her H.S. graduation. Karen deferred attending college at Bethel University to stay home with her mom while attending Worthington Community College and helped run the family shoe store, The Walk Shop. After helping her sister Jill with her Kindergarten class she decided to pursue her love of helping others and received her degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology from St. Cloud State University.

Upon graduation, she took a student teaching job in Annandale, MN where she met the love of her life, Tom. After a heartfelt pursuit the two married in 1983 and the couple settled in Excelsior, MN where they later raised their two children Sara & Andrew. Karen was active at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church as a confirmation guide and Sunday school teacher. She was also a member of Westwood Community Church where she was involved in the children’s ministry and BSF bible study. She would often pray to The Lord to help her share The Gospel with all those around her. Karen loved her family with all her heart along with her friends, animals & nature. She was an active volunteer at Hope Rides, a faith-based horse-related mentorship program, where she enjoyed sharing her love of riding horses as a form of therapy with kids.

Above all, Karen valued her faith, spending time with her husband, two children, their significant others, and her two grand dogs where she was the cornerstone of her family. Family time often meant being on Lake Minnetonka boating, paddle boarding or waterskiing as well as skiing or hiking in Telluride, CO. We were blessed by her earthly life, although all too short, and thankful for the legacy of faith, the value of a smile so bright, that infectious laugh and the way she loved us with her entire heart. She was one of the most selfless & caring people we will ever know. We are thankful for the loving spirit she left us with & look forward to seeing her again in eternity.

Karen is survived by her husband, Tom of Minnetrista; children Sara (Paul) Backowski of Minnetrista, Andrew (Hannah) Londo of Golden Valley, sister Jill (Brad) Harmsen, loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold & Viola M. (Kragh) Collingham and brother in law Timothy K. Londo.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 14th, 11am with a visitation beginning at 10am and luncheon to follow at 12pm at Westwood Community Church, 3121 Westwood Dr. Excelsior 55331. Memorials can be made to Westwood Community Church or Hope Rides.