The Celebration of Life for Karen Kay Hatzenbeller Vasvick, 65, of Ellendale, ND, will be 10:30am, Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Ellendale Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Kelly Riggan officiating. Karen died after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, January 7, at Sanford Aberdeen Medical. Karen kept her sense of humor until the end.

Arrangements by Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 South Main Street, Aberdeen, SD.

Karen Kay Hatzenbeller was born May 6, 1959, to Theodore and Monica (Mathern) Hatzenbeller in Aberdeen, SD. She attended school at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Holgate Junior High, and graduated from Central High School. Karen worked at Control Data, Kessler’s Deli and The Lumber Company in Aberdeen. She also did home healthcare for numerous people in the Aberdeen area. During this time, Karen met Larry Vasvick. They moved to California where Karen managed apartments in Stockton. To this union three children were born: Ricki, Wade and Kyle. Karen and Larry moved to Ellendale, ND, where Karen devoted her time to being a great mother and grandmother.

Karen attended the Ellendale Church of the Nazarene. She loved to fish, had a green thumb growing many beautiful flowers, and was very particular with mowing her lawn. She was an avid crocheter and made many wonderful pieces. Karen enjoyed playing Bingo and Bingo Blitz. She was also a great cook, enjoyed listening to music, and loved watching Westerns. Her pets Paisley, Coco, and Dutchess held a special place in her heart. Karen and Larry trucked all over the United States and Canada over the years.

Grateful for having shared Karen’s life are her husband: Larry Vasvick; her children: Ricki Lee Vasvick Rekow, Wade (Kierra) Vasvick and Kyle Vasvick; grandchildren: Carter Rekow and Cashton Rekow; her siblings: Wanda McLaughlin, JoAnn Hatzenbeller, Toni (Randy) Hettich, Terri Peterson, Tammy Rose (Ron) Heilman, and Tommy Hatzenbeller; and her in-laws: Robert (Kathy) Zerr, Luanne (Steve) Slykerman, and Kathy (Larry) Exner, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding Karen in death are her daughter: Ricki Lee Vasvick Rekow; her parents: Theodore and Monica Hatzenbeller; nephew: Jesse Hettich; and her brother-in-law: Chuck McLaughlin.

Karen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and best friend. She will be greatly missed.

Please, as Karen would have wanted, dress casually for the service.