Karen Jean Sanftner, 81, of Armstrong, died October 26, 2023 at Valley Vue Care Center in Armstrong.
Karen was born on July 29, 1942, in Estherville to Ardys (Opsal) and Curtis Twedt. Her mother Ardys passed away shortly after the birth of Karen. Her father was drafted into the Army. He was a glider pilot, losing his life during the invasion of Normandy. At the age of 2, Karen was presented her father’s purple heart. Karen became a part of her maternal grandparents’ family, Olai and Mildred Opsal. She graduated from Armstrong High School and continued her education, graduating from the Iowa Lakes Community College nursing program. Karen was married to Jerry Sanftner and to this union, their son Tron, was born. Karen’s nursing career included the Lutz Wing in Fairmont, Dr. Roy Turner’s clinic in Armstrong, and Valley Vue Care Center. Karen was a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church.
Karen is survived by her aunts Betty Opsal, Cheryl Opsal and Dona Opsal; and many cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents; son Tron Sanftner; Aunt Muriel (Opsal) Brown; and uncles Effner Opsal, LeRoy Opsal, Lyndon Opsal, and Melvin Brown.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 11, at Henry Olson Funeral Home in Armstrong. Friends may call on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11.
Online condolences may be offered at www.henryolsonfuneral.com
