Karen Irene Frederiksen Schulz

Karen Irene Frederiksen Schulz, age 62, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly at her home on June 14, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Nelson-Hillestad Funeral Home in Morgan, MN, with burial for follow in the Morgan City Cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to her service from 11 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Morgan.

The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls and Morgan are in charge of the arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

Born on March 30, 1964, in Springfield, Minnesota, Karen was the daughter of Dale and Kathryn (King) Frederiksen. She grew up surrounded by the love of a large family, graduated from Morgan High School in 1982, and attended Alexandria Vocational Technical School.

Karen's life changed when she moved to Arizona and met Timothy Schulz, the man who would become her husband. Together they embraced the adventures of military life, making homes and building friendships wherever Tim's service took them. Their journey included assignments at Fort Ord, California; Schofield Barracks on Oahu, Hawaii; and Fort Carson, Colorado, where they ultimately settled.

Karen's greatest joy was her family. She shared a special bond with her nieces and nephews, whom she loved deeply and often reminded that she loved them "to the moon and back, more than the stars in the sky and sand in the sea." Whether family traveled across town or across the country, Karen delighted in bringing everyone together. Her warmth, laughter, and generous spirit made every gathering memorable. Many family visits ended around the kitchen table with stories, laughter, and fiercely competitive games of Hell.

Karen found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved to crochet, gardening, caring for her beloved cats, and spending time outdoors. Her love for the family farm stayed with her throughout her life and was reflected in her collection of John Deere memorabilia. Karen and Tim enjoyed exploring the outdoors together, from trout fishing in the Rocky Mountains to spending afternoons on Hawaii's North Shore watching the surfers and waves roll in.

Karen dedicated much of her career to serving others. She worked at several assisted living communities, where her kindness, patience, and compassion left a lasting impression on residents, families, and coworkers alike. She concluded her working years with IP Automation in Colorado Springs.

Those who knew Karen will remember her for her caring heart, her fierce devotion to family, her welcoming home, and her ability to make people feel loved. She possessed a quiet strength, a generous spirit, and a gift for finding joy in the people and moments that mattered most.
Karen's legacy is one of love, hospitality, loyalty, and family. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Karen is survived by her husband, Timothy Schulz, of Colorado Springs; her brother, Brad (Laurie) Frederiksen and their children, Benjamin and Emily (Mike); her sister, Cynthia Gardner and her sons, Jeff (Stephanie), Eric, and John; her sister, Holli (Don) DeShane; her sister, Collene Landgren and her children, Danielle (William), Amberlie (Eric), Luke, and Maggie (Devin); her sister, Julie Baker and her sons, Collin (Kate) and Aaron; her brother, Chris (Beth) Frederiksen and daughter, Laura (Abe); and her brother, Eric (Erin) Frederiksen and their children, Matthew (Whitney), Melissa, Nicholas (Katie), Katie, David (Samantha), and Zachary.

She is also survived by her aunt, Eleanor; her uncle, Duane (Sandy); many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins; and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dale Frederiksen; Kathryn (King) Frederiksen; her brother, Johnny; her brothers-in-law, David Baker and Lester Landgren; and her beloved great-niece, Elodie.