Karen Ann Brandt, age 71 of Rochester passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at Samaritan Bethany Heights Nursing Care following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Karen Ann Gauthier was born on April 27, 1940 in Green Bay Wisconsin to Winifred and Irene Gauthier. As a child, she and her family moved to Rochester. She attended Lourdes High School, graduating in 1958. On October 14, 1961, she married John Brandt at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  Karen worked at the Olmsted County Bank, IBM Credit Union, IBM Corporation, and ultimately retired from Pemstar in Rochester. Karen was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.  Karen was known for the deep love she had for her sons and grandchildren. She loved shopping, dining-out, socializing, going to Curves, and her daily morning walks.

She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, John, two sons, Scott (Renee) of Eyota, Jay (Becky) of Rochester, grandchildren Jorgen and Jake, a step-grand-daughter, Paige Leichtnam, two sisters, Barbara (David) Brown of Winona, Judy (Leroy) Scharkey of Rochester, and a brother, Michael (Becky) Gauthier of Byron. She is preceded in death by her parents, and a brother Charlie "Chuck" Gauthier.

A funeral service for Karen will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor James Heining officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 9, 2011 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the new River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in East Saint Olaf Cemetery in Rock Dell, MN.

Macken Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com