Karen Joyce (Niebergall) Babineau

Karen Joyce (Niebergall) Babineau, age 81 of Elk River, passed away on March 12, 2025. She was preceded in death by her son Kevin Babineau; husband Oliver Babineau; parents George and Effie (Olson) Niebergall; and siblings Rosalyn Moll, Georgene Berre, Merlin Niebergall; and son-in-law Lynn Anderson. Surviving are her children Roxanne (Bill) Harstad, Christine (Matt) Palmer, and Richard (Kelly) Babineau; grandchildren Katie Harstad (Breck), Kevin (Malissa) Harstad, Jacob (Katy) Harstad, Jamie (Anah) Anderson, Karissa (Keith) Winterhalter, Logan Babineau, and Luke Babineau; great-grandchildren Rylah Franaschouk, Everly Franaschouk, Oaklen Franaschouk, Owen Harstad, Charlotte Harstad, Oliver Harstad, Archer Harstad, Sara-Jo Regg, Baby Girl Anderson (due any day now!) and Olivia Winterhalter; brother Donald (Marge) Niebergall; and other relatives and friends. 

Karen graduated from Anoka High School in 1961. She met the love of her life, Oliver, and they moved to Otsego, MN, in 1970 and later relocated to Topock, AZ, in 1990. Karen settled in Elk River, MN, in 1998 after the passing of her beloved husband. Together, they owned several businesses, including jewelry, shoe, and fabric stores. Karen worked at Carlson Companies from 1994 until her retirement. She loved travel and activities with other residents of Elk Run Village, affectionately known as "The Village People." A passionate Minnesota Vikings fan, she never missed a game, through all of the highs and lows. 

The family is deeply grateful to Guardian Angels Riverview and Trinity Hospice for their compassionate care during Karen’s final months.

A Celebration of Life service in Karen’s memory will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 22, 2025, with family and friends gathering at 10:00 AM at Serrano Brothers Catering, 14043 Business Center Drive NW, Elk River, MN. Interment to follow at 2:15 PM at Orono Cemetery, Elk River. 

Lunch to follow memorial service. In honor of Karen’s love for the MN Vikings, please wear your Purple Pride attire. SKOL!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen Joyce (Niebergall) Babineau, please visit our floral store.