Karen Anne Skwira

Karen Tell Skwira, age 84, died peacefully on 7/06/25 after a brief illness. She will be remembered as a bright light and spirited person with an extraordinary gift for connecting with others and making them feel special. She was the epitome of sociability, positivity, and helping people discover their true gifts.

Karen was the middle child of Stephen and Helen Tell who raised their five children in Minneapolis and Edina. She celebrated lifelong friendships with friends from Our Lady of Grace School, the Academy of Holy Angels, and the College of St. Benedict.

She married Michael Skwira in 1963 and traveled through Europe for the next 2 months. Their adventures continued as they raised 4 children, welcomed foster daughters, and created a home with always enough room for more.

Karen’s career spanned from elementary school teaching to managing a busy and full house, then on to successful entrepreneurial ventures including residential interior design and the ownership of Stone Lake Lumber and Hardware. She loved fiercely, knew how to get things done, and saw beyond the confines of convention.

She was the visionary talent behind the restoration of an old log lodge to its current grandeur on the shores of Little Sissabagama. We have fond memories of meals at the big dining room table that she and her father, “McGee”, built. Karen and Mike were consummate hosts who knew how to make their guests feel at home and have fun all while making it look easy!

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Michael. She is survived by her children Anne Skwira-Brown (Kevin), Michael, Peter (Beth), and Joseph Skwira; as well as foster daughter, Patty Hallet. Her 9 granddaughters, Katherine, Rachel, Kimberly, Carmen, Anna Jo, Claire, Chloe, Mikayla, and Lydia will remember fun times with a Nana who loved them so much…

Memorials preferred to the non-profit of your choice.