By R.V. Baugus
Industry veteran Karen Lynn Swan passed away on April 20 at the age of 79. Born in St. Paul (MN) to Erik and Della Schon, Karen graduated from Harding Senior High and attended night classes at the University of Minnesota for business and design. Karen married Roger Swan in 1962 and raised two children, Joelle and Jeff.
In 1974, Karen was hired at the Met Center as an Administrative Assistant. The Met Center was 
Karen’s big entrance into an exciting career of sports and entertainment. In 1990, Karen was hired as Director of Group Sales for the Target Center where she continued to work for the next 30 years. Karen loved her career, working on countless family shows and concerts. She was quoted as saying, “I don’t know if I would be happy doing anything else.”
She was fortunate to work side by side with some of her biggest mentors and longtime friends. Highlights of her career came in 2005 when Karen was the recipient of the Event and Arena Marketing Conference’s prestigious Gigi Award, and in 2020 when she was the recipient of the WISE (Women in Sports & Entertainment) Inspiration Award. Karen lived a very full life with her partner of 27 years, Bob Spencer, until his death in September of 2021. Karen and Bob enjoyed concerts, theater, sports and travel together. They attended Bob’s yearly Vietnam Helicopter Pilot reunions as well as many trips throughout the United States, Punta Cana, Europe, and Morocco.
Karen and Bob cherished their seven grandchildren; Abby, Ethan, Garrett, Elena, Jasmine, Chase, and Gavin. Karen is preceded in death by her parents Erik and Della Schon, lifelong partner Robert Spencer and former husband Roger Swan. Karen is survived by her brother Karl (Lyn) Schon of Eau Claire, WI, daughter, Joelle (Chad) of Bloomington, MN, son, Jeffrey (Gretchen) of Solon, IA, Geoffrey Spencer of Albuquerque, NM, and Dan Spencer of Eden Prairie, MN; grandchildren Abby, Ethan, Garrett, Elena, Jasmine, Chase, and Gavin, nephews Troy (Kelly) and Trent (Stephanie) Schon, as well as beloved cousins, close relatives and many dear friends.
Karen lived a life of kindness, compassion and grace. She will be dearly missed and memories of her will live on in the hearts of those she touched. In her words, “Life can’t be measured in the years that have flown by . . . it’s counted in kindnesses, close friends, and loved ones and in all of the sweet blessings we’ve known.”
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 1 p.m. on June 14 at Spirit of Hope UMC, 7600 Harold Avenue, Golden Valley, MN 55427. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Twin Cities Gilda’s Club or donor’s choice.
