Karen Amelia Morchinek

Karen Amelia Morchinek, 83, of Independence, died on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, in the comfort of her own home. Karen was born in St. Paul, MN on August 28, 1939, to Alvin and Hazel (Sauer) Haes. Soon after graduating from high school, Karen began working for the State of Minnesota-Highway Department as an administrative assistant in St. Paul, where she worked until her retirement. It was there she met the love of her life, Richard Morchinek, and the couple was united in marriage on October 12, 1971. Karen loved all animals including horses, dogs, birds and especially cats. She and her husband TRN’d and fed hundreds of cats and let them live on their farm, many becoming house cats. She truly was a “cat whisperer”. In her spare time, Karen enjoyed gardening and flowers. Karen is survived by her cat: Fritz; friends of 50+ years: Adrian, Mary, and John Morchinek, Mick and Sue (Morchinek) Kulig, and Richard and Teddy Keller. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Richard in 2020; brother: Alvin “Al” Haes, Jr. in 2019; and life-long friend: Marilyn Keller in 2003. Family, friends and neighbors are invited for a combined visitation for Karen, Richard and Al from 3 to 6 PM on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at the Edison Funeral Home. Military honors for Richard and Al will be presented by the Sura-Wiersgalla American Legion Post #186 beginning at 5:30 PM at the funeral home. Burial for Karen, Richard and Al will take place at 1 PM on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, in Elmhurst Cemetery, 1510 Dale Street N., St. Paul, MN with Reverend John Marboe officiating graveside services. To express condolences to the family online, please visit www.edisonfuneralhome.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Karen Amelia Morchinek, please visit our flower store.