Karen Thrift

Karen L. Thrift, 69 of Lake City, MN and formerly of Wabasha, MN, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Lake City Care Center.
 Karen was born June 14, 1957, in Prince George County, Maryland to Arlene (Koeth) and Lyell Thrift.  She grew up in Maryland and when she was 13 the family moved to Winona, MN.  She graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1976. She obtained her CNA certification and worked in the home health care industry in Winona for many years. She enjoyed being around animals, gardening, nurturing houseplants, crafting, being out in nature, traveling and spending time with family (especially her grandson Conner).
She was preceded in death by her daughter Marlayna Everett; father Lyell Thrift; step-father John H. Walker; and step-brother John H. “Skipper” Walker III.
Karen is survived by her mother Arlene (Koeth) Walker; daughter Emilee (Thrift) Wood; grandson Conner Moore; siblings:  Dennis (Sandi) Thrift; Maureen (Dan) Salmon; Sandra Johnson; and Christine (Jim Sullivan) Flak; step-siblings:  Dianna (Gary) Sande and Jayne Feind and many nieces, nephews and relatives.
A Celebration of Life gathering was held on Sunday, November 8th, 2026, from 12:00-2:00 at Abbott Funeral Home, Wabasha with a light lunch reception following at St. Felix School from 2:00-3:30.
Memorials can be directed to Winona Humane Society, Diabetes Society or American Cancer Society.
Services entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home & Wabasha, MN. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.abbottfh.com
Memorials can be directed to Winona Humane Society, Diabetes Society or American Cancer Society.
Services entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home & Wabasha, MN. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.abbottfh.com