Karen D. Hastings, 77

Karen D. Hastings, age 77, of River Falls, Wis., formerly of Amery, Wis., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the River Falls Area Hospital, surrounded by family.

She was born on Dec. 10, 1935, on the farm in River Falls, to Alvin and Marion (Gibson) Schorn, and grew up and attended school in River Falls. She was married to Bob Luka, from which four children were born; Jacky, Jeff, Jodi, and Jill. They later divorced. Karen was united in marriage to Clarence Hastings in 1980 then widowed in 1985. After a short time in St. Paul and Amery, she relocated back to River Falls where she reunited with her friend and companion of 25 years, Dan Reis.

Karen was best known for her inherent musical talent she shared with her family, with her family performing together at area fairs and radio: Her mother, Marion, played piano and fiddle, and her brothers, Larry and Jack Schorn, had their own country music bands where Karen would occasionally play bass and piano and sing. Karen and Clarence (Curley) also had a successful country music band in the '80s.

Karen's greatest achievement in life was raising her four children and watching them all succeed in their lives. Karen was also an accomplished seamstress. Enjoying her retired years with Dan had always been appreciated. In those years, Karen had a very happy life with Dan, where she totally enjoyed her home, reading, flower gardens, occasional trips, and watching her grandkids and her great-grandkids grow.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Larry Schorn, Jack Schorn; nephew Mike Schorn; brother-in-law, Russ Satterlund; second husband, Clarence Hastings.

She is survived by her loving companion Dan; son, Jeff; daughters, Jacky, Jodi (John), Jill (Joe); sister, Alene Satterlund; grandchildren, Zachery and Jordan Karras, Kimberly and Kevin Rodke, Kacie (Nate) Worrell, Bill Rodenburg; and two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Averie Worrell, along with many nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Amery, 600 Keller Ave. S., Thursday, Dec. 20. Visitation will be 11 a.m. with service at 12 p.m. followed by a light luncheon. Family and friends are welcomed and encouraged to view Karen's Facebook page to reflect on and share your wonderful memories of Karen.

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