Karen A. Cleveland

Karen Ann Roney Cleveland passed away at home on November 9, 2025.

Karen was born to Francis Paul and Doris Elizabeth Roney on May 15, 1945, in Oakes, ND. She grew up on a farm as the only daughter with four older brothers, and attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School. After graduating from Oakes High School, Karen attended ND State School of Science and worked at Otter Tail Power in Fergus Falls, MN. It was there that she met Dennis, after he handed her the quarter she dropped at the Normandy Cafe. “KC” and “Grover” fell in love quickly, and she was warmly welcomed into the Cleveland family. They were married on September 30th, 1967, and later moved to Winona, MN, where they raised their three daughters and lived a lovely life for the past 58 years.

While in Winona, Karen was a stay-at-home mom, volunteered in Winona Public Schools, and worked as an administrative assistant in the College of Education at Winona State University for 19 years.

Karen cherished her family deeply and proudly. She was very easy to love and a wonderful partner in life to her best friend and soulmate, Grove. Together they traveled the countryside golfing and exploring. They walked a beautiful path and led by example with strength, love and commitment. They were the very best of friends.

Karen was a devoted wife, selfless and loving mom, grandma, sister, and friend. She was youthful, active, and often could be found whizzing around in her golf cart at Ladies League or with Grove. Karen was a genuine friend to everyone; she was humble in spirit, enjoyed quiet conversations, listening, and laughing. KC was a sweet Irish girl who loved perfume, pink nail polish and lipstick, country music, coffee and ice cream, cute outfits, walks with her furry friend Stanley, reading, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and attending any family celebration.

She was a talented seamstress who created countless gowns and treasures for those she loved. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with Grove, her three girls, grandkids, and Stanley.

Karen is survived by her husband, Dennis; three daughters Nancy (Tom Mulcahy), Paula (Robert Regan Jr.), and Mary Pat; grandchildren Thomas and Sarah/Ezra, Maria and Noah, Grace, Anna, Thomas, Emily, and Lucy. She is also survived by brothers Dennis and Larry, the Mulcahy children, and several nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, James and Charles.

Faith remained a stronghold in Karen’s life, and she found strength and comfort in her daily rosary and prayer. She is adored by her family, and her beautiful legacy lives on through Dennis, her three daughters, and grandchildren. She will be forever missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona. The Very Reverend Patrick Arens will officiate.

Following the Mass, a luncheon and reception will be held in the Community Room of the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona.

Interment will be held privately.

Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 3 PM until 6 PM, where a prayer service will be held at 5:30 PM. There will not be any visitation held on Thursday, please meet at the Basilica for the Mass.

Memorials may be directed to a charity or to a church of choice.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Karen’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.