Karen Annette Riley

Karen Annette Riley, age 88, of New Hope, Minnesota, peacefully returned home to God on July 22, 2026, in Burnsville, Minnesota. She was born on February 25, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Clarence and Alice Eckstein.

Karen graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1957 and built a life centered on hard work, family, faith, and friendship. Throughout the years, she held a variety of positions, including car hop, bank teller, and Target cashier. She dedicated 42 years to Target Corporation, where she worked in Credit Authorizing, Collections, and Fraud Prevention. Her strong work ethic and friendly nature left a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike.

In retirement, Karen delighted in spending time with her family, visiting the casino, and working part time greeting customers at Hy-Vee. Her warm smile, kind heart, and genuine interest in others brightened the day of everyone she met.

Karen is lovingly survived by her children, Stephen Riley, Marie Reilly, and Julie (John) Kloncz; grandchildren, Matt Riley, Hannah Riley, Eric Reilly, Nick (Emily) Scholl, Kyle (Chelsey) Reilly, Samantha (Nick) McMillan, Jamie (Kali) Kloncz, Alexa (David) Pattock, Ashley (Trevor) Stewart, and Joseph Kloncz; and great-grandchildren, Michael Reilly, Elias Reilly, Charlee Rae Stewart, Isaiah Stewart, Ava Scholl, and Reece Reilly.

She is also survived by her brother, Charles (Judy) Eckstein; many beloved nieces and nephews; extended family members; and countless dear friends who became family through the years.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Riley; her parents, Clarence & Alice Eckstein; her stepfather, Al Mercil; sister, Marlene Winge; brother-in-law, Richard Winge; sister, Diane Eckstein; sister-in-law, Grace Goode; brother-in-law, James Goode; daughter-in-law, Darla Riley; son-in-law, Michael Reilly; and many others whose love and influence remained a treasured part of her life.

Karen will be remembered for the love she shared so freely, the joy she brought to others, and the unwavering faith that guided her throughout her life. She possessed a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome and valued.

“To Karen, there were no strangers—only friends she hadn't met yet.”

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at St. Joseph Parish Center, 8701 36th Avenue North, New Hope, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the church from approximately 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

A burial service will be held on September 10, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota.