Karen Muenster, an American politician and businesswoman who served in the South Dakota Senate from 1985 to 1992, died on April 3, 2026, in Vermillion, South Dakota, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
A Democrat, she served as minority whip from 1988 to 1992 and previously served on the Vermillion City Council. Born Karen K.
Nelsen on October 15, 1942, in Deshler, Nebraska, she grew up in Hebron, Nebraska. Muenster was educated at private Catholic institutions and attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Karen K. Muenster (née Nelsen; October 15, 1942 – April 3, 2026) was an American politician and businesswoman. A Democrat, she served in the South Dakota Senate from 1985 to 1992 and as the minority whip from 1988 to 1992. She previously served on the Vermillion City Council.