Karen M. Knoll

Karen Marie Knoll, age 62, of Hastings, passed away May 17, 2026.

Karen was born on February 22, 1964, in South St. Paul, Minnesota, to Alphonse and Irene (Kolles) Theis. From a young age, Karen brought joy and energy everywhere she went. She loved roller skating and was so talented that she often won contests. As a little girl, she adored playing with her dolls — even if they occasionally endured a rough day under her care. Karen also loved riding her bike and, as she got older, preferred mowing the lawn and driving tractors over doing housework inside. She was known for being a little accident-prone, especially around hay wagons and hoes, stories that would later become cherished family memories. Though naturally beautiful, Karen never enjoyed having her picture taken.

Karen met the love of her life, Michael “Chip” Knoll, in September of 1981 at Showboat Lanes Bowling Alley, where she bowled in a league alongside her mother, Irene. Their connection was immediate and lasting. Karen and Chip were united in marriage on February 14, 1987, at St. Boniface Church in Hastings. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. They first lived on Teal Way before moving into their forever home in South Pines in January of 1996.

In 1992, Karen and Chip welcomed their son, Justin, into the world — a blessing who became the center of Karen’s heart. She lovingly called him her “little Dee-Dee,” and the special bond they shared remained strong throughout her entire life.

Karen was truly one of the most loving, caring, and sincere people anyone could ever know. She dedicated 38 years of her life working as a Medical Secretary at the Allina Clinic, where her kindness and work ethic touched countless lives. When her position was eliminated in 2019, Karen found a new joy working at Culver’s in Hastings. She adored what she lovingly called “her regular customers” and often hurried — sometimes even running — to deliver food to waiting guests with her signature smile and warmth.

Karen courageously battled Fibromyalgia for many years. It deeply saddened her when she was no longer able to return to work, and she greatly missed her coworkers and the daily interactions she treasured.

During her healthier years, Karen found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: long walks, bike rides, planting flowers, and especially the annual trips she and Chip took to Mexico and Anna Maria Island, Florida. But perhaps nothing brought Karen more joy than baking. Her kitchen was a place of love, generosity, and comfort. She baked endlessly for family, friends, neighbors, and anyone lucky enough to know her. Her famous “Karen Bars” became legendary among those who tasted them — so delicious they truly should have been patented. Karen found genuine joy in making others happy, and she carried that spirit into every part of her life.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Alphonse and Irene Theis.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Michael “Chip” Knoll; her beloved son, Justin Knoll (Carissa); cherished grandchildren, Tyson, Lincoln, Weston, and Cameron; siblings, Lucinda Findlay, David (Marie) Theis, Deborah Theis (Steve Jones), and Barbara Cobenais (Joseph Fuchs); along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street in Hastings. Immediately following the Celebration of Life, the family welcomes you to continue celebrating Karen at the Hastings Public House, 2015 Westview Drive in Hastings.

Karen’s kindness, warmth, and loving heart will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.