Karen Lorenson

Karen Lorenson, 64, of Strathcona, MN, died peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at home with her loving family surrounding her.

Karen Lorenson was born Karen Marie Simmons, the daughter of Ronald Vernon and Viola Mae (Knutson) Simmons, on March 10, 1950 in Roseau, MN. She attended the Gatzke Elementary School and Middle River High School, graduating as Senior Class Valedictorian in 1968. She was also a member of Girl’s State while in High School.

She married Merle Jordan Lorenson on June 15, 1968 at Gatzke, MN. Karen was a lifelong homemaker as well as working at David Burkel Turkey Farms, Marvin Windows, DigiKey and at the Strathcona Post Office for several years.

Karen was a very active member of Grace Evangelical Church. She was active in the Ladies Aid where she served as President and Vice-President, Women’s Missionary Service President, Church Praise and Worship Team. She was active in the Sunday School, serving as a Teacher and Treasurer. She was also the Church Secretary and served in any other capacity she could in her church.

She was a lifetime member of the Northland Threshing Bee and had served on the Northwest Community Action Head Start Policy Council.

Her favorite pastimes and hobbies included word and number puzzles, recipe books and collecting any recipe that looked or sounded good, organic gardening and spending time with her family. A very important part of her life was the years of the Lorenson Family Ministries from 1981 to 1990.

She is survived by her husband—Merle.

Children—Vernon (Roxie) Lorenson of Karlstad, MN, Michael (Melissa) Lorenson of Thief River Falls, MN, Angie (Friend Chiy) Ayala of Kennedy, MN and Brian (Evie) Lorenson of Badger, MN.

Grandchildren—Children of Michael & Melissa: Kayla, Sierra, Marshall, Tanner, Owen, Amelia, Havana, Zachary & Joshua. Children of Angie: Saul Jr., Samuel, Seth & Simon. Children of Brian & Evie: Isaac & Maggie.

Brothers & Sisters—Karyl (Ardell) Nelson of Wannaska, MN., Kay Lane of Barnesville, MN, Wesley (Colleen) Simmons of Noble, OK, Wallace Simmons of Warroad, MN, Warren (Friend Michelle) Simmons of Buffalo, MN, Willard (Mary) Simmons of Zimmerman, MN & Sister-in-law—Linda Simmons of Middle River, MN and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Son—Paul in 1985, brother—Wayne Simmons and Brother-in-law—Dwight Lane and other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, March 25 at 11:00 AM in Grace Evangelical Church of Strathcona with Pastor Don Guttormson, Pastor Robert Ludwig & Bishop Michael R. Cole, officiating. Music was provided by Pat and Bob Ludwig and Jim Gjovik. Casket Bearers were Gale Hanson, Gary Peterson, Guy Strandberg, Brian Utter, Ross Waage & Aaron Weil. Karen’s Grandchildren were Honorary Pallbearers. Ushers were nephews Jason Simmons & Dwayne Bergsnev.

Interment was in The Lorenson Family Cemetery of Strathcona.

Arrangements were with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush, MN.