Karen Hites Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapel - St. Paul on Jul. 12, 2025.
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Karen Wilhelmina Hites passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11th surrounded by her family, after a short battle with bile duct cancer.
Karen was blessed to hold many meaningful titles over her 84 years of life: daughter, granddaughter, niece, oldest sister, stepsister, sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, wife, mother, mother-in-law, Bubbe (grandmother), great-grandma, nurse, and steadfast friend.
Karen was born in Waterloo, IA, to Louis A. and Norma Sagert on June 22nd, 1941. She had many fond memories of her childhood and of growing up as the daughter of a Lutheran pastor, social worker, and nurse.
Karen graduated with her nursing degree in 1962 from Allen Memorial School of Nursing. She began her career at Miller Hospital in St. Paul, MN, continued at Midway Hospital in St. Paul, and spent the remainder of her nursing career at United Hospital in the Labor and Delivery Department in St. Paul, MN.
Karen was a wise nurse, highly regarded by her colleagues and hundreds of patients alike. It was there she built lifelong friendships that have been, and always will be, near and dear to her heart.
Karen married Mervin Hites on Nov. 25th, 1962. They started their family in St. Paul, MN, moved
to Madison, WI, and in 1971 moved back to St. Paul/Roseville, MN, where they raised their three children. The memories and values they built together with their family and friends will continue to be shared and cherished for many years to come.
Karen loved the outdoors. She instilled her love for camping at Cass Lake and Bayfield, WI; fishing on Lake Winnibigosh and Lake Superior; sailing and boating on Lake Superior; and her overall love of the water in all of us.
Karen loved spending time with her family and friends at her home in Bayfield, WI. She loved sharing the history of Bayfield, driving around and showing all of the different orchards around
town (even if you'd seen them before), enjoying the fresh crisp air off the lake, preparing delicious meals (with the never-ending supplies to create them) - always including BLTs and sweet corn - making fresh jam, playing Mahjong with her friends, growing her tomatoes, tending to her beautiful flower gardens, going to concerts at the Big Top Chautauqua, sitting on her deck overlooking the marina, relaxing in her favorite red chair, sharing stories and laughter, and always creating memories and traditions that will continue for generations to come.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 36 years, Mervin Hites.
Karen is survived by her sister, Kristin Sagert (Alf Houkom); brother, Louis A. Sagert III; stepsister, Joanie Rourke; stepbrother, John Meyer; nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins; her three children, Kristine Hites (Joseph Martin), JJ (KC), and Judd (Denise); eight grandchildren, Lucas (Sara), Victoria, Elizabeth, Wesley, Jared, Gabriel, Cole, and Kaylee; and one great-granddaughter, Margot.
Special thanks to Pam and Scott Birkland, who lovingly accepted Karen's loyal companion, Skow, into their home. Special friends Mary Swenson, Vickie Bilder, and Marie Trepanier - your friendship, love, and care for Karen and our families are priceless. The Pillars-Beyond Hospice in Oakdale, MN - your grace, kindness, comfort, and compassion for Karen on her journey to her final rest are like none other. Kerry, thank you for all you've done to create such an amazing space for our loved ones. And to all the nurses, aides, and
volunteers, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
A funeral service to celebrate Karen's life will be held at the Temple of Aaron Synagogue in St. Paul,
MN, on Sun., July 13th at 12:00pm. (616 Mississippi River Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55116). In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Pillars-Beyond Hospice, Oakdale, MN. Service will be live streamed through Temple of Aaron's YouTube Channel: www.hodroffs.com/KarenHites