Karen Marie Johnsen, 95, of Askov, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026. She was born on April 28, 1931 to Henry and Kirsten Larsen. She grew up surrounded by a loving family, learning the values of hard work, kindness, and service that would define her life.

When Karen was 18, she met Earl at a dance in the DBS Hall. They were married on October 8, 1949. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, music, and faith. Their marriage was strengthened by their shared devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Karen had a simple but unwavering testimony of the Savior and was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in many callings throughout her life. In November 1967, Karen and Earl made the memorable road trip to the Cardston Alberta Temple, where they and their family were sealed together for time and all eternity.

Karen found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved tending her garden and rarely let a day pass without checking to see how things were growing. She delighted in canning, baking, cooking, cleaning, picking wild berries, and walking the wooded trail at her home. Her remarkable work ethic was evident as she continued working two days a week at Main Street Grocery in Askov until she was 88 years old.

An avid reader, Karen enjoyed books of every kind including cookbooks, always looking for new recipes to try. She also loved music and dancing, especially the many years she and Earl spent square dancing together. Karen had a gift for making others feel welcome. Her family will always remember her quiet wisdom, gentle humor and steady example.

Although Alzheimer's disease gradually changed the landscape of her mind, it could never erase the kindness she showed, the faith she lived, the family she nurtured, or the countless lives she touched. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her siblings, Bud, Leroy, and Joyce and those family members who welcomed her home.

Karen is lovingly survived by her children: Gary (Gail), Connie, Lee (Sharen), Larry (Barb), and Kristine (LaMar). They rejoice in the promise of the restored gospel that families can be together forever.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Golden Horizons and the hospice team for the compassionate care, kindness, and dignity they provided during Karen's final year.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3422 State Highway 23, Askov, Minnesota. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery.

In Karen's honor, take time to tend a garden, bake something for a neighbor, enjoy a good book, or simply spend time with those you love. These simple acts of kindness and love were the hallmarks of her beautiful life.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.