Karen Winans

Karen A. Winans, age 66, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, at her home.

Karen was born on April 22, 1960, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Russell and Ruth (Jefferis) Block.

Karen married Charlie “Bill” Winans on December 30, 1979, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the world-famous Chapel of the Bells. Charlie preceded her in death. Together, Karen and Charlie shared a love of fishing and spent many happy days fishing whenever they had the chance.

Karen worked at Mayo Clinic as a pharmacy technician. She also sang and played guitar in the Charlie Bill's Mostly Country band. She enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with family. She will be remembered with love by those who knew her.

One favorite family memory was the affectionate nickname her stepdaughters gave her. When they were young, Karen had once admitted that she had not planned on having children and that adjusting to family life took time. The girls jokingly began calling her their “step monster,” and as the years passed, the nickname became a loving family joke. Karen never minded it, and to them, she was always their beloved “step monster.”

Karen is survived by her mom Ruth; her daughters, Buffie (Gordy) Dukart and Joddi Denman; her grandchildren, Haylee, Zach, Allison, Abby, Ashley, and Avery; her great-grandchildren, Lynkin and Atlan; her nephews, Alex, Kyle, and Kevin; and her niece, Kelly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie “Bill” Winans; her sister, Renee; and her brothers, Rich, Paul, and Chris.

No memorial service is planned.

Memorials may be sent to: Attn: Karen, 6204 S. Pointe Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902.