Karen Ann Diaz

Karen Ann Diaz, age 62, of Austin, Minnesota, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at her home. She was born on July 31, 1964, in Austin to John and Janet (Arett) Hultgren.

Karen grew up in Austin and attended Neveln, Ellis Middle School, and Austin High School, where she was part of the Class of 1982. She spent her career working as a sales clerk and deli manager, including 10 years at Shopko and more than 20 years with Hy-Vee, retiring in 2024 due to illness.

Karen was active in her community as a member and past president of the Austin Jaycees, and belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary and Eagles Auxiliary. She also contributed to the “Welcome to Austin” sign on the east side of town. Photography was one of her greatest passions, and her work was published in magazines and calendars. She especially loved photographing friends and family at graduations and weddings. Her best friend and dog, Paris, brought her great comfort throughout her illness. Most of all, her greatest pride and joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her mother, Janet (Glenn) Roberts-Valek; father, John Hultgren; children, Joshua (Andrea) Diaz and Justin (Nicole) Hultgren; six grandchildren, Anna, Miles, Ella, and Emmy Diaz, Averie Kirby, and Mason Hultgren; siblings, Jimmy Dean (Ellia) Hultgren, Christine (Chad) Garness, Lisa (Jeff) Samudio, Linda (Kevin) Skala, Kelly Neubarth, and Glenn (Ashley) Valek, Jr.; and sisters-in-law, Amy Hultgren and Brenda Roberts.

Karen was preceded in death by her brothers, Kevin Ray Hultgren and Richard Roberts, Jr., and her stepfather, Richard Roberts, Sr.

A funeral service for Karen will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Cornerstone Church in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.