The sad case of Karen Schroeder overshadowed the Thanksgiving holiday week in New Ulm. News that the New Ulm woman had gone missing broke Tuesday, and as the week of cold weather wore on the chances of her being found alive waned.

Local authorities searched for her in the areas she was known to like to walk but by Thanksgiving day she was still missing.

Local volunteers organized to help with the search. Tonia Smith, a local woman set up a Facebook page, asking volunteers to help with the search. On Saturday, a volunteer found the shoe that focused the search and led to the discovery of Schroeder’s body.

We know Schroeder’s friends and family were praying for her return, but others in the community had her in their thoughts and prayers as well. We know her family is grateful for the efforts volunteers made to help find her and bring her home.