Karen L. Poland

Karen L. Poland, 54, of St. Paul, died unexpectedly, Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at the Howard County Medical Center in St. Paul. To honor Karen’s wishes, cremation was chosen. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Peters Funeral Home in St. Paul. For the health and well being of anyone attending, face masks will be required. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Condolences and memories may be shared with Karen’s family and her video tribute viewed by visiting www.petersfuneralhome.net. Karen was born on Jan. 17, 1966, at Gothenburg, the daughter of Dennis L. and Jane A. (Baker) Ballmer. Karen grew up in Gothenburg, where she attended Gothenburg Public Schools and was a 1984 graduate of Gothenburg High School. She was united in marriage to Lowell A. Poland on Dec. 31, 1984, in Gothenburg. The couple first lived in Broken Bow for a short time before moving to St. Paul. Karen then attended the Grand Island Beauty School and after graduating worked at the Red Carpet Salon in St. Paul. She worked at the Pump & Pantry in St. Paul, later becoming the manager of the Pump & Pantry in St. Libory. In 1998, she began working for Principal Financial Group, and was still employed with them at the time of her death. Karen enjoyed flowers, gardening, reading, playing cards and watching QVC and Hallmark movies. She also enjoyed vacationing with her sister, with their favorite destination being Aruba. Karen was a true caregiver to her family and loved the time spent with her grandsons. She is survived by her husband, Lowell of St. Paul; sons and daughter-in-law, Kabir and Nichole Poland and Blake Poland, all of St. Paul; twin grandsons, Tallen and Creed Poland of St. Paul; sister and brother-in-law, Cyndi and Darcy Sample of Alliance; in-laws, Boyd and Evelyn Poland of Broken Bow; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lynn and Khrysty Poland of Broken Bow; nieces and nephews, Corby and Jennifer Welch, Erin DuBray, Lisa and Matt Burri, Jenni and Jason Lott, Jessi and Cody Davis and Averie, Ahbrie, Andrea and Addie Poland. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.