Karen Annette Bayless

Karen Annette Bayless (née Schuhe) passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, age of 86. At her passing, she was surrounded by the love of her family, who will forever cherish the warmth, wisdom, and humor she brought into their lives.

Karen was born on June 7, 1938, in Duluth, Minnesota, where she spent her childhood and remained deeply connected throughout her life. A proud Denfeld graduate, she was actively involved in the Denfeld High School Class of 1956 Reunion Committee and carried that school spirit with her always. She graduated from St. Luke’s School of Nursing, dedicating her career to caring for others. Karen was a former member of the Duluth Ambassadors. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mercedes Schuhe.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Robert (Bob) Bayless; her three children, LuAnn (Dan) Skorich, LoraLee (Jerry) Chiaverini, and Glen (Sandra) Bayless; her beloved grandchildren, Andrew (Tara) Field, Adam (Ashley) Field, Nicole (Patrick) Scharte, Kyle (Sarah) Chiaverini, Clair (Dakota) Juarez, Ryan (Shannon) Bayless, and Holly (Michael) Bollig; and her 13 precious great-grandchildren (with another on the way). She is also survived by her sister, Kathy Bourdages; niece, Amy Drury and nephew, Carl Bourdages.

Karen’s love for her family was the guiding light of her life. She proudly wore a necklace that symbolized each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, keeping them close to her heart. Her favorite sayings, such as "God works in mysterious ways," “There is no greater gift, then the gift of your time,” and her signature response to inquiries about her well-being—"I'm the best in my age bracket!"—will echo in the hearts of all who knew her.

Karen had many talents she loved sharing with her family. She enjoyed puzzles, crafting, and making each family a lighted Christmas tree skirt of her own design, playing the organ, singing in the car and loved watching all sports. Her signature cheer “Woo Woo Woo” will ring throughout the northland forever.

Faith was a cornerstone of Karen’s life. Raised in the Lutheran church, she was a longtime member of Elim Lutheran in West Duluth before converting to Catholicism later in life. She cherished the clergy and faith communities in both Duluth, MN, and Superior, WI. One of her most treasured memories was a chance encounter with Pope John Paul II in a Rome airport—a moment that deeply touched her, even though she didn’t understand the words he spoke to her.

Karen bravely battled Alzheimer’s disease, a journey that was difficult yet filled with the unwavering love of her family. In sharing her story, we hope to shine a light on this devastating illness and honor her strength through this terrible journey.

Karen’s life was defined by love, laughter, and unshakable faith in God. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who were blessed to have known her.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2025 at the Cathedral of Christ the King, 1410 Baxter Ave in Superior. Fr Andrew Ricci officiating. Visitation one hour prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, supporting those in the fight against this vicious disease.

Rest in peace, Karen/Mom/Grandma/Oma/Na. We love you to the moon and back. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.