Karen Christine (Hoffman) Cates

Karen Christine Hoffman Cates passed away at her home on March 28, 2026, at the age of 84. She was born on August 8, 1941, to Ruth Redding and Warren Hoffman in St. Paul, Minnesota. Karen lived a life filled with children, beauty, music and gardening. She touched the hearts of everyone she met through her quiet ways and gentleness. She was an accomplished and classically trained pianist and a talented artist and painter. With her former husband, Jack Gary Cates, she devoted her life to being a homemaker and raising their three children, Suzen, Lisa and Jason with love and compassion. Her grandchildren have wonderful memories of growing up in their grandma’s home, receiving their first piano lessons, learning how to play checkers and card games, playing dress-up with her clothes and learning how to paint, sew and bake.

Karen will be leaving her family and friends with a lifetime legacy of love, kindness and forgiveness.

She was preceded in death by her son Jason Cates; parents Ruth Redding and Warren J Hoffman; brothers Larry Hoffman and Chuck Haynes. She will be remembered with joy and love by surviving family: daughters Suzen Watson and Lisa Chestnut; sister Kim Redding; brother Warren Hoffman; grandchildren Jhami, Shaylah, and Kenya; Johnny, Kelsea, Jesse, and Shawnea; great grandchildren Isaac, and Adrik; Aysa, Easton, and Tanner; Sienna; Emma; Jiyah; Daxtynn, Carsyn, Paiddyn, and Hunter.

Cremation services have taken place with Haskell Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time.

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