Obituary of Karen Marie Brodie

Karen Marie Brodie, of Savage, MN, passed away March 3rd with family by her side. Karen was born to the late Brons and Thelma Larson on April 20th, 1942 in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1960 and the University of MN, with a degree in interior design. Karen is survived by her husband of 35 years, Bruce; sons: Scott Bowman (Dawna) Minnetonka, Jeff Bowman (Jesse) Mount Vernon, OH, Jeff Brodie (Gayle) Denver, CO and Brent Brodie (Teri) Naples, FL; daughter, Colleen Sargent (Corey) Estero, FL; sibling, Mike Larson (Marlys) San Diego, CA; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Karen designed building interiors for Dayton's Commercial Interiors for 20 years before retiring at age 55 to pursue her love of the outdoors, travel and adventure. She was as comfortable in a board room as she was in her boat fishing walleyes on her beloved Pokegama Lake. She would go up a mountain with you and ski down the other side, which she did often with her family in tow at her favorite ski area, Snowbird. Karen especially enjoyed campfires and the camaraderie and conversations they inspired. Karen and Bruce spent 15 consecutive Septembers in Europe, visiting 10 different countries. Norway was her favorite. Karen particularly enjoyed visiting the family setter and the fjords. Karen spent her winters on Coronado Island, CA. Growing up in South Minneapolis in the 50's, Karen had what she described as a "wonderful fairy tale youth," with a large group of friends who remain close to this day. Karen was a wonderful soul with boundless love for her family and her incredibly wide circle of friends. She was a uniquely special person who had an almost magical ability to connect with - and have an impact on - almost everyone she met. Her life was filled with acts of kindness and she was the definition of what it means to be selfless. Her joyfulness and her effervescent smile, which lit up any room she entered, will be sorely missed. We take comfort in knowing that Karen will never truly be gone because she leaves so much behind. A private memorial service for family and friends will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Park Nicollet/Methodist Hospital Hospice.