Kären Louise Bailey, age 80, passed away early Friday morning, July 12, 2019 at Red Cedar Canyon of Hudson, WI. Karen was born Wausau, WI and lived in Hudson, WI for 50 years. She graduated from Memorial High School (Eau Claire, WI) in 1957 and then attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She met her valentine, Rex in Eau Claire, WI and were married on October 27, 1962. Rex and Karen then moved to Cedar Rapids, IA where she worked as a secretary for the school system.

Kären highly valued public service and she served her community widely throughout her fifty years in Hudson, namely, the Hudson Hospital Auxiliary, Newcomer’s Club, Phipps Center for the Arts board, United Way board, Episcopal Homes board, Saint Croix County Election board and the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors, where she served both as an elected representative and as Vice Chair for several years. Kären also co-founded the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce. 

In addition, she actively campaigned for candidates whom she knew and respected, despite divisions that would separate most, most notably for her dear friend, former Wisconsin State Senator Sheila Harsdorf.

Throughout her life, Kären enjoyed playing bridge, reading widely, and maintaining beautiful flower gardens. She loved water, especially rivers, having grown up on the Chippewa River in Eau Claire, WI. She and Rex, along with their children spent countless hours on the Saint Croix while later, she and Rex enjoyed boating on their pontoon boat.

Kären enjoyed traveling, especially with her husband, Rex. She was thrilled to see Denmark, home to her forebears, Sweden, Greece, Canada, and Grand Cayman Island. Without a doubt, the Colorado Rocky Mountains were her favorite place to visit in any season, especially to ski. She enjoyed Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts and the ballet. Kären and Rex also loved their dogs, having had two Samoyeds and a black Lab.

Kären is lovingly remembered by her children, Scott (Karen) Bailey of Minneapolis, MN and Kristin (Roger) Rhodes of Lake Ozark, MO; four darling grandchildren, Alexis, Haley, Jack, and Elizabeth; as well as other extended family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Rex Bailey; and her parents, Harry and Fern (Jarvis) Mortensen.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 10-11 AM on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI, immediately followed by a Memorial Service at 11 AM. Lunch will be served following the service. Private Inurnment will be held at the Ascension Church of Stillwater Columbarium. 

Kären’s family wishes to especially thank the gifted caregivers of St. Croix Hospice, and the staff of Red Cedar Canyon of Hudson, WI. Heartfelt thanks to you all for helping us through this time.