Karen Lynn Conrod

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Karen Lynn Conrod on June 26, 2025, in Portage la Prairie at the age of 74.

Lovingly remembered by her husband of 50 years Fred Conrod, sons Tyson Conrod of Winnipeg and Reece Conrod (Amylia) of Canmore, AB, sister and brother-in law Debbie and Dean Yaremchuk, sisters-in-law Reneta Angus and Gilda Sutton (John), brothers-in-law Keith Conrod (Heidi), Kevin Conrod (Karla), Ken Conrod (Debbie), nieces and nephews Blair (Joel), Bobbi (Kirk), Ben (Jenna), Joey, McKenna (Cole), Matthew (Gillian), Kelly, Julie (Marc), Trevor (Armie) and numerous great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Karen was predeceased by her parents Bill and Blanche Angus, brothers Brent Angus and Donnie Angus, step-father Murray McQuay, father and mother-in-law Clyde and Marjorie Conrod, great-nephew Kaiden Heggie, and other loved ones, including close-to-the-heart aunt Florence Angus.

Born on February 5, 1951, Karen was the first of four children welcomed by Bill and Blanche Angus. She grew up on the family farm just outside of Dauphin, MB, and attended Mountview and Smith Jackson Schools before graduating from Dauphin Collegiate Technical Institute, where she made many lifelong friends. Karen was heavily involved with the local 4H Club, showing both cattle and horses, and a highlight of her youth was flying to Ottawa to represent the local club at a National 4H Convention.

At the age of 15, Karen sadly lost her father. At this point, Karen started working evenings as a telephone operator with MTS while still attending school during the day, an early indication of her strong work ethic and commitment to the wellbeing of her family.

After graduating high school, Karen briefly moved to Brandon before accepting a job with the Department of Education in Minnedosa, MB, where she met the love of her life Fred in 1971. Her job with the Department of Education then took her to Winnipeg and after two years of long-distance courting, Karen and Fred married in 1974 and moved to Onanole, MB where she occasionally worked as a substitute teacher. Accepting the change of life that came with marrying an RCMP officer, Karen and Fred were transferred to Thompson, MB where she worked at the Royal Bank and City Hall and where the couple excitedly welcomed their first son Tyson. Two months after the birth of Tyson they were transferred again and moved to Swan River, MB where Karen worked as a 4H consultant. Transfer struck again and the young family moved to Wabowden, MB, where she ran a daycare for the children of other RCMP members. While living in Wabowden, the couple welcomed their second son Reece after a 3 AM in-labour drive to Thompson General Hospital. Shortly after Reece was born, the family was transferred to Cross Lake, MB. In 1984, they were transferred to Portage la Prairie where they were finally able to put down permanent roots. Karen briefly worked as a switchboard operator before rejoining the Department of Education’s Child Care and Development. She retired after a long career in administration from the Stevenson Campus of RRC Polytech, to which she had been seconded from the Department of Education.

Karen and Fred built a full life of love, laughter and beautiful friendships in Portage but her heart remained at the family farm, where she spent countless hours in the gazebo or around the campfire staring at the stars. Karen was always willing to volunteer her time for her children’s interests, whether it was parent councils, hockey fundraisers or attending scout camps. She had a tireless work ethic and often did more than was expected of her quietly, without any notice or expectation of thanks. She was a lifelong advocate of education and created summer “I Love to Read” challenges for Tyson and Reece to instill that love in them. She was an avid and excellent baker, the family affectionately nicknaming her carrot cake recipe “Karen cake.” She was proud of her flower garden and spent hours weeding and deadheading her petunias. Her tiger lilies grew from seeds passed down from her grandmother and were her pride and joy. Karen loved cooking and hosting family dinners and holidays and was well-known for making full pancake breakfasts for any guests that spent the night. Nothing excited her more than getting the chance to bake, play, or read with her great nieces and nephews Ava, Ryker, Bodie, Lennon, Ella, Cooper and Margo.

Karen was a person who was able to put anyone at ease because she was gentle, accepting and always smiling. Although her involvement in 4H ended in adulthood, she always lived her life by the Pledge: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living.” She will be incredibly missed by all who knew her.

Celebration of Life Service will take place at Trinity United Church in Portage la Prairie on Friday, July 4th at 2:00 PM. Private family interment will take place at a later date. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed by registering at the link below.

The family expresses thanks to Portage la Prairie EMS, ER staff at Portage District General Hospital and Dr. Lisanti for their thorough, compassionate care.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Karen’s name to the Diabetes Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021