Karla Theresa Rabanus

Karla Theresa Rabanus, 82, of Mendota Heights, passed away on August 19th, 2025.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Theresa (Hvidsten) Hamnes, and her husband of over fifty years, Richard Rabanus (Rich). Karla is survived by her daughter, Christine Gosch (Jeff) of Mukwonago, Wisconsin; her son, Matthew Rabanus (Bhakti) of Inver Grove Heights; her son, Ian Rabanus of Lakeville; her brother, Bruce Hamnes (Aase) of Stephen; her sister, Barbara Nelson (the late Steve) of Phoenix, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews. Karla has nine grandchildren: Peyton Gosch, Landon Gosch, Aliysha (Brock) Olson, Anika Lall, Anushka Lall, Jay Lall, Richy Rabanus, Mackenzie Rabanus, Victory Rabanus; and a great-granddaughter, Anneli Olson.

Karla was born on August 28th, 1942, in Warren, Minnesota, to Arnold and Theresa, the second of three children. She graduated valedictorian from Stephen High School in1960. Karla attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where she enjoyed participating in theater and earned a liberal arts degree.

Karla was an English teacher at Rosemount High School for two years, where she met Richard Rabanus (Rich), the vehicle services instructor. They were united in marriage on July 15th, 1972, in her hometown of Stephen, Minnesota. Rich and Karla moved to Callahan Place in Mendota Heights, where Karla devoted herself to raising their children, supporting her family wholeheartedly in every way.

Karla found joy in many things: her family, gardening, shopping, traveling the world, cooking, and hosting gatherings for family and friends. She was especially known for her infamous “Tacky Parties” and shenanigans that entertained her guests.

Gardening was more than a hobby for Karla, it was a lifelong passion. This love blossomed into her own small business, Karla’s Herb Garden, where she crafted beautiful potpourri, bath herbs and salts, and sachets using roses and flower blossoms she grew and gathered herself. Her creations were sold in specialty and gift stores across the country. They were even featured in popular publications such as Better Homes and Gardens. Karla was especially proud to have provided custom gifts for the Governor of Minnesota, who shared them with esteemed guests and dignitaries, including Raisa Gorbacheva.

Karla had an eye for beauty and a natural talent for finding and arranging beautiful things. Her love of shopping and sense of style led her to a role as a personal shopper with the Dayton’s Corporation. Karla’s gift extended beyond clothing, she had a special passion for pottery and filled her home with pieces she carefully selected, each reflecting her unique aesthetic and love of artistry.

Travel was one of Karla’s greatest joys. Whether exploring new places with “The Judy Group,” her sister Barb, or other family members, she felt deeply grateful for the many countries she was able to visit and loved sharing stories from her cultural adventures. Karla’s happy place was on Angela Drive in Phoenix, where she and Barb spent countless hours soaking up the sun, reminiscing about old times, sipping on margaritas, and enjoying the occasional trip to Denny’s.

Karla and Rich were active members of several car enthusiast groups, including the Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA), Twin Cities Roadsters Club, and The Amblers Car Club. They were also devoted members of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church.

Karla will be remembered as generous, cultured, loving, “spicy,” and full of spunk. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed. We will love her forever.

Visitation and Service will be held on Saturday, September 6th at Willwerscheid Funeral Home & Cremation Service (West-Heights), 235 Wentworth Avenue West, West St. Paul, Minnesota 55118.

● Visitation: 9:30a.m

● Service: 10:30a.m

● Burial: Acacia Cemetery – Family only