Karen Thompson, 82 of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on April 23, 2026, at Ava's House Hospice, surrounded by her family.

Karen Kae (Fritz) Thompson, Daughter of Herman and Lucille (Franey) Fritz, was born on Sept 5, 1943, in Sioux Falls, SD. She was the youngest of 3 siblings. She grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, where she attended Hawthorne Elementary, Axtell Park Jr High, and graduated from Washington Senior High School Class of 1961, where she enjoyed her time playing Saxophone in the marching band.

After graduation, Karen worked at Locke Electric in Sioux Falls, where she met her future husband, Rodney. They united in marriage on October 15, 1966, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. The couple began to raise a family and remained in Sioux Falls.

Karen enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She spent many summers at Roy Lake, where her parents had a cabin and spent time on the water fishing. Karen was an avid Bingo player, spending time at Sertoma Bingo when she was able to. She loved to spend time with her kids and grandkids, whether at a sporting event or school or church program.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughters, Leanne (Keith) Lefers of Lennox, SD, Laurie Thompson, Sioux Falls, SD, granddaughters, Allison (Jace) Pulse, Kimball, SD, and Megan Lefers, Lennox, SD, and many other family members and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney Thompson, an infant daughter, Kathy, her parents, her 2 older brothers Gene and Leland Fritz, and many other family members.

A visitation, with family present, will take place from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Monday, April 27th, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home - Westside Chapel (6200 W 41st St) in Sioux Falls, SD. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, at the same location. Following the service and luncheon, interment will take place at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.