Karen E. Ringhofer, 73, Owatonna

Karen Ringhofer of Owatonna, died Jan. 4, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Karen was born April 9, 1952, in Austin, the daughter of James and Theresa (Langreck) Zipse. Karen attended Pacelli High School in Austin, graduating in 1970. After high school, Karen worked for Owatonna Canning Company and then worked as an operator for Quest in Owatonna, before working for Jostens and retiring in 2010. She was united in marriage to Dale Ringhofer on Oct. 16, 1981, in Owatonna. The couple made their home in the Owatonna area, raising one daughter. Karen’s life interests included caring for her grandchildren while they were growing up, going on cruise trips all over the world with her husband and family, and fishing.

Karen leaves behind to carry on her memory, her husband of 44 years, Dale, daughter Amy (Josh) Matejcek of Owatonna, grandchildren Avery and Mason Matejcek, many nieces and nephews, and many other family members, including a sister-in-law Carolyn Zipse and brother Brian (Lisa) Zipse of Montgomery.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Mark Zipse, brother-in-law Ronald Ringhofer, and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Leonard and Gladys Ringhofer.

Friends may greet the family on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, 4-7 p.m., at Brick – Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd., Owatonna) and one hour before the funeral service at the church on Thursday. Funeral service is set for Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 11 a.m., at St. John Lutheran Church (1301 Lincoln Ave. SE, Owatonna).

Memorials are preferred to St. John Church. For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com