Karen A. O'Malley

The world was made brighter on July 22, 1957 when Mary and Jerry Schoen welcomed their second child into the world and named her Karen Ann Schoen. 

While growing up in North Minneapolis in the 60's she attended Willar School and then Ascension Catholic School. During the summer months she looked forward to Dick Clark's American Bandstand and dancing daily with the neighborhood kids. 

Her family moved to New Hope in 1967 where she attended New Hope Elementary and then Plymouth Jr. High. Karen enjoyed school and was an avid reader. She also enjoyed family camping trips, the Mod Squad and cheese puffs. Karen was an enthusiastic football lover, and that love for football stayed with her into adulthood. You could always find her getting everyone involved in fun wagering games between the teams , and her vivacious energy for the game was unmatched. She loved bringing people together and connecting in various ways. But above all else she was a doting sister, who always looked out for her siblings.

Karen attended EJ Cooper High School in New Hope class of 75'. As the choreographer of the newly formed Cooper High School pom-pom girls, Karen made the pep fest an event nobody wanted to skip. Her rhythm shined with the team dancing to Pink Floyd's Money and other 70's rock music.

She loved the southwest and moved to Arizona in the early 80's to be closer to her sister Kathy . She later moved to California for several years and married Bill (Willie) O'Malley before coming back to Minnesota. After Willie's death, Karen lived out her dream of owning a horse. While venturing into this new hobby, she met an amazing man named Chuck Olson.

Chuck was the perfect partner for Karen. They traveled down to AZ for several winters with their horses to trail ride and for Chuck to compete in roping events. They both valued the time spent with their horses, and above all else, made family time the highest priority . Chuck's family welcomed Karen into their lives and they became an integral part of her existence. 

Karen was a hard worker with a variety of skills. Besides being in the workforce for many years as an insurance claims adjuster; a croissant shop owner and later as a purchasing agent for Aroplax Corporation, Karen became the matriarch of the Schoen family. She was always willing to host holiday gatherings where family could come together and enjoy amazing meals that she made with love. Family was extremely important to Karen and she never failed to make that her driving force. 

Karen was preceded in death by her parents Mary (DeMuth) and Jerald Schoen and marriage partner William (Bill) O'Malley. 

Her love, kindness and generous spirit will be greatly missed by her sisters Kathleen (Mark) Bailey, Wendy Schoen , Christine Schoen. Brothers Paul (Barb) Schoen, Steve (Shelly) Schoen. Nieces, Alecia (Parris) Brown/Biggs, Carly Schoen, Ellie (Paul) Warzecha, Hannah (John) Tracy, Shauna (Mostafa) Doyle Khchich , Maura Doyle, Brianna (Jordan) Marshall. Nephews, Daniel Schoen, Thomas (Lauren) Schoen, Robert Schoen, Colin Doyle, and Emmett (Elizaveta) Doyle. As well as 15 great nieces and nephews. Chuck Olson and his family, Jared, Nicola, Cavin, Andrew, Charlie. Karen’s step daughter Megan O'Malley.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 2 pm at the Olson Farm. Detailed information (address, gathering details, etc.) of this gathering will be posted on social media. 

Karen had a heart for the Minnesota Little Britches Rodeo. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to her favorite organization. Memorials can be sent via check to: 

MNLBR

7445 309th Ave 

Princeton MN, 55371