Karen J. Sears

Karen J. (Auchampach) Sears, 80, of Clear Lake, passed away Oct. 10, 2022 at her home. 

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Pastor Denny Ganz officiating. Burial will follow in the Ventura Cemetery. 

Visitation was held Sunday, Oct. 16, from 1-4 p.m., at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.

Karen Joyce was born on March 4, 1942 in Brookfield, Mo.

She was united in marriage to Bruce Auchampach on Valentine’s Day, 1964 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Together they made their home in Ventura. Many will remember their devotion to one another; you rarely saw Karen without Bruce by her side. They enjoyed camping and fishing, and being outdoors in general. They were blessed with 38 years of marriage prior to Bruce’s passing on Oct. 7, 2002. 

During that time Karen served as the business manager for their business, Arctic Major Appliance Service in Ventura. She also kept busy with Shady Lane Antiques and Upholstery in Ventura. 

On May 7, 2005 Karen was married to Rancher Sears in Ventura and they made their home in Clear Lake. Rancher and Karen enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Alexandria, Minn. with their friends. 

Karen will be remembered for her generosity and selflessness. She was always thinking of the needs of others before her own, and could be outspoken for the causes she cared about. She was civic minded and was active in the Lions Club and Ladies Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, the women’s and men’s shelters, and the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce. Karen also spent countless hours at the Surf Ballroom; whether it be for dancing or volunteering, she loved being at The Surf. 

Each day would start with a trip to the lake where Karen would enjoy her morning coffee and a banana along the Seawall. She was always on the move and keeping busy. On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays she played cards with friends and always looked forward to socializing around town. She was very patriotic and proud to live in Clear Lake and the United States of America! 

Those grateful in sharing in her life are her children, Glenda (Brian) Robbins, Ventura Heights, Robert (Shelly) Auchampach, Northwood, Ronnie Ristau, Luverne, and Tina Ristau, Burt; grandchildren, Samuel Robbins, Layna (Jason) Tritch, Jade (Andrew) Galvin, Marcus Gifford, Reece Ristau, Brigitte Ristau, Krysta, Ronni Ann, Dean, and Jamie Lee; great-grandchildren, Carter and Bexley Tritch and Paisley and Morgan Galvin; siblings, Kathleen (Neal) Veirs Warwick Duncan, Patrick (Ellen) Murphy, and Lanny (Ramona) Sellers. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Auchampach and his parents, Glen and Annetta; husband, Rancher Sears; and great-grandson, Dylan Tritch. 

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.