LeeAnn R. (Karstens) Challeen

LeeAnn R. Challeen (nee Karstens) , passed away on Saturday August 22, 2020 at her home in Cambridge at the age of 71.  She was born May 21, 1949 to Jack and Shirley (nee Rennaker) Karstens at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Brainerd, Minnesota.

LeeAnn attended Cambridge Elementary School and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1967.  She attended one year at the St. Cloud Beauty School.

In 1969, LeeAnn married Gary Challeen making their home in Pine City, MN.  To this union, two sons were born, Jason Allan Challeen and Joshua Andrew Challeen.

LeeAnn became a homemaker, raising her two sons, Jason and Joshua.  Later, she worked at the County Seat and Medical Arts Press.

One of LeeAnn’s enjoyable adventures was with her mother, Shirley Karstens, as they travelled to the East coast to visit her sons and their families.   You would not be surprised to attend one of Jason’s football games and you would see his most devoted fans – his mom and his grandmother. It wasn’t Homecoming if they were not in the stands or sitting on the hillside in folding chairs cheering on the team. Being a Grandmother was one of LeeAnn's true loves in life, she greatly enjoyed visiting and talking with her grandchildren

LeeAnn was an excellent handcrafts person.  She did beautiful counted cross stitch embroidery which she always did for relatives and other people and quilting with her mom.  Many of Jason and Joshua’s friends have received beautiful pieces of LeeAnn’s craftsmanship.  LeeAnn always took extreme pride in decorating her apartment for her enjoyment and for others to enjoy.  LeeAnn also loved playing cards (especially when she would win), games and always making sure everyone was having a good time.  If there was laughter in the room, you would surely find her in the middle providing the cause of laughter.

Preceded in death by her father Jack Karstens and son Joshua Challeen and former husband Gary Challeen.

Survived by her mother Shirley Karstens, son Jason (Cheryl) Challeen of Jamestown, ND. Daughter-in-Law Christine Challeen of Wilmington, NC.  Grandmother of: Gracelin, Hunter, Cora and Sarah Challeen.

Also survived by her sister Teri Jo (Gary) Jensen; Uncle Frank (Ardy) Rennaker Jr. and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Memorial service 11 AM Saturday August 29, 2020 at First Baptist Church 304 South Main St. Cambridge, MN

Interment at Cambridge, Union Cemetery

Arrangements by Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral and Cremation Service 763-689-2244

Online condolences can be shared at www.carlsonlillemoen.com

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