Karen Wienbar, 68, of Redfield, SD, died March 25, 2008, at her home in Redfield.

Her funeral will be Friday, March 28, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate.

Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield.

Visitation will be Thursday from 1-8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5-6:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com


Karen was born August 1, 1939 in Fergus Falls, MN to Merton and Freida (Kronemann) Asleson. She graduated from Fergus Falls High School and married Lester Wienbar on December 31, 1957. They lived in Redfield all their married life raising their family. Karen graduated from Northern State University summa cum laude, first in her class, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology/ Psychology. She also earned a master's degree in Special Education. Karen worked at South Dakota Developmental Center-Redfield for twenty-five years. She loved her job and helping people. She worked her way up to serving as interim director and was currently Registrar-Policy Analyst.

Karen loved to read, work crossword puzzles and grow flowers. She devoted herself to her husband, children and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed the time spent at Cottonwood Lake with her friends and family.

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and First Congregational United Church of Christ.

Karen is survived by her husband Lester of Redfield, and her children: Brad (Mary) Wienbar of Iroquois, SD; Greg Wienbar of Redfield, SD; and Kim Wienbar of Pierre, SD. She is also survived by her mother Freida Miller of Fergus Falls, MN; and five grandchildren: Mathew (April) Wienbar, Chad Jungwirth, Annie Wienbar, Lindsey Jungwirth and Leah Wienbar.

She was preceded in death by her father Merton, and her step father Harold Miller.