Catherine "Cathy" Karels
Catherine "Cathy" Karels, 96, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Fairway View in Ortonville, MN.
Catherine “Cathy” Martha Karels was born on August 3, 1930, on the family farm near Nassau, MN, to Paul and Clara Pillatzki. She attended District 8 country school before continuing her education at Bellingham High School, graduating in 1948. Following graduation, Catherine moved to Montevideo, MN, where she worked for five years for various businesses. Through her brother, Luverne, she met the love of her life, Edwin Karels. The two were married on June 29, 1954, at St. James Catholic Church in Nassau, MN. Following their marriage, they made their home in Ortonville, MN, where they were married for 41 years, built a life together, and raised their family.
After welcoming their six children, she devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. She took great pride in caring for her family and creating a home filled with love, warmth, and wonderful memories. During the years her children were growing up, she also worked at the local corn canning facility. Once her children were grown, Cathy began a new chapter working alongside Edwin at the Ortonville flower shop. The two delivered flowers together, a job she truly enjoyed.
Cathy was a two-time cancer survivor whose strength and perseverance were a testament to her determination and resilience. Her faith was also an important part of her life, and she was involved with her Catholic Church group. In her spare time, she enjoyed embroidery, reading, gardening, cooking, and baking. She especially loved spending time with friends, visiting over a cup of coffee, and making memories with those around her. She also enjoyed going to the casino. Above all, she loved time with her children and grandchildren.
Cathy is survived by her children: Theresa (Charles) Rausch of Rapid City, SD; Barbara Schultz of Las Vegas, NV; James (Deborah) Karels of Tallahassee, FL; Julie (Michael) Jansen of Apple Valley, MN; Steven (Kelly) Karels of Batavia, IL; Michael (Jennifer) Karels of Edina, MN; grandchildren: Timothy, Kimberly, Gregory, Emily, Nichole, Heather, Joseph, Benjamin, Lindsey, Craig, Zachary, Andrew, Mitchell, Amanda; 27 great-grandchildren with one-on-the-way; one great-great grandchild; one sister, Mary Nathe of St. Cloud, MN; one brother, Ralph Pillatzki; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her: beloved husband, Edwin Karels; her parents: Paul and Clara Pillatzki; five siblings; and son-in-law, John Schultz.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville, MN. A visitation was held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the church and closed with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. A visitation continued one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Fr. Shawn Polman officiated, and burial was held at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville, MN.
The service was livestreamed and recorded and is viewable at www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.
