Caputo, Karen J. Age 67 of North Oaks, died on May 30, 2014. Preceded in death by husband John, parents Reed and Jane MacKenzie. Survived by son, Jeff (Kricket); daughter, Christine; grandsons, John, Andrew, Brian; sisters, Penny (George) Wennerlyn, Sandy (Christ) Madsen, Donna (Nile) Frawley; brother Scott (Amy) MacKenzie; nieces, nephews, many relatives and friends. Karen was born in St. Paul and raised in White Bear Lake. Her career included women's apparel, starting 4th Street Dance Center and then Karen's Dance Supply, and Medtronic. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother and grandmother. Funeral service Saturday, June 7th at 10:00 AM at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM-PURCELL FUNERAL HOME; 515 W. Hwy 96 at Mackubin, Shoreview. Interment Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation Friday 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. www.holcombhenryboom.com 651-482-7606
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James Wilcox Dimmers
from Jim Dimmers~
Karen and I were close sidekicks for a good number of years after graduation. We covered many miles in her little MG Midget and had some very wonderful times. Karen had a free spirit and fabulous sense of humor, we laughed 'til our sides ached. And when the need was there we cried together too.
I like to think that she is in Heaven making the angels laugh, reunited with those she loved so well here on Earth, dancing and laughing that ever so full laugh of hers!
In one of my gardens is a sculpture Karen made in 8th grade. It's actually a self-portrait named "Babe." It sits like a little Buddha surrounded by wild flowers, wild like Karen herself, wild and beautiful! I will cherish it even more now and one day get it to one of her children.
Patricia A Snyder (Horan)
I'll remember Karen for her perkiness and her wonderful smile. She will be missed.
David Clarke
Karen and I were good friends from eighth grade on. We shared so many great times: Willow River, the Cedars of Lebanon, sports for which she was always the cheerleader who seemed to jump the highest with the biggest smile, times in the audiovisual room watching those delightful movies of frog's mating habits while Karen and Elaine sat behind me singing Peter, Paul and Mary songs softly to me. Many,many more tender talks and gut splitting laughter.
I was so looking forward to seeing Karen again. Hopefully I will in the not so distant future.
Dave (Jake) Clarke
Clint Dufresne
Karen was my first crush in the 7th grade. We enjoyed many dances together in the gym at the old high school before we moved to Sunrise. We used to talk forever on the phone anoying the daylights out of my grandparrents. I would have loved to see her again but I guess the Lord figured we had her long enough and it was time for her to join him. My prayers go out to her family for comfort and strength during this time of loss.
Dennis (Dj) Smith
Jim, that was a treat to read. Well done. Karen was a sweety!
Cheryl Hamer (Hauswirth)
Although Karen and I were school and church friends and neighbors, we didn't become close friends until after high school. We shared so many interests and experiences (zipping around the Cities in her little MG, watching and crying over romantic French movies, visiting our favorite artist Jim Dimmers in his studio, convincing ourselves that Black Russians could cure the common cold.) And we even shared an apartment when Karen was a buyer for Donaldson's and I was teaching. It was during that time that she met and fell in love with her soon-to-be husband, John Caputo, who was a clothing rep in town from New York. They lived in NYC for awhile and then moved back to White Bear because John embraced the Midwestern values and people. Sadly John passed away several years ago. They had 2 children and 3 grandchildren who were with Karen when she succumbed to the leukemia she had been battling since last October. My tears of sadness are mixed with tears of joy as I remember times spent with this wonderful person and loyal friend.