Karen Willaert Saiki, age 67 of Mankato, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on November 19th, 2022, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester. Karen was born in April of 1955, to Armella and Lawrence Willaert. She attended high school at the Academy of Our Lady of Good Council, and later graduated from the University of Minnesota, Waseca with her associates degree, and Minnesota State University, Mankato with her bachelors in science. After suffering from a debilitating stroke, and starting the long road to rehabilitation, she married the love of her life, Kirk Saiki in 1989, and later had two children. Swimming at Tourtellotte Pool, riding her bike on the Sakatah trail, and sipping wine with friends brought joy to Karen’s life, but none more than Sunday family dinners at Mazatlan or Pagliai’s Pizza. Memories of Karen will be cherished by many; her nieces and nephews will reflect on her timely “Happy Birthday” phone calls, those who frequented the carousel at River Hills Mall as children will remember her friendly demeanor, and some may recall her time as a cheerful & hard working crossing guard at Franklin Elementary school. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Karen is survived by her husband, Kirk Saiki, daughter, Klarissa (Chase) Saiki, son, Kameron Saiki, siblings, Kathleen Willaert, Barbara (James) Alders, Susan (Mark) Olson, Shirley Royse, Tim (Laura) Willaert, Annette (Larry) Wallace, Kevin Willaert, and Christine (Kevin) Guck. She is preceded in death by sister, Mary Jane Willaert, brother, Larry Willaert, mother, Armella Willaert, and father, Lawrence Willaert. A celebration of Karen’s life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 7th, 2023, at Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you plant a perennial flower of your choice, or do a good deed in honor of Karen’s spirit.