Karen Ann (Peterson) Bryngelson

Karen Ann (Peterson) Bryngelson was born February 12, 1937 in Hope, ND and passed away from cancer on April 9, 2017 while wintering in Mesa, Arizona.

Karen was the eldest of four children of the Edwin and Vivian Peterson. They grew up on a farm in Blabon, ND. She graduated from Finley High School in 1955 and then married the love of her life, Arlem Eugene Bryngelson on December 27, 1955. Together they had four children. They lived in Grand Forks and Minot, ND. She kept busy by sewing clothes for the children and herself, wallpapering, painting and fixing up their various homes.

The family moved to Bemidji, MN in 1975. She went to Bemidji State University and received her Associates Degree in Business in 1980. Afterwards she worked in the Catalog Department of the Bemidji JC Penney store.

After Arlem retired, they started wintering in Mesa, AZ. She enjoyed many of the park activities, such as quilting, paper tole and painting. She received several awards for her works.

During the summers in Bemidji, she expanded her flower gardens around their house. They both enjoyed watching the birds nesting in the birdhouse and the squirrels in the feeders.

She was a member of First Lutheran Church of Bemidji for over 40 years. She made sure that all of her children received a good religious foundation while growing up.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Vivian Peterson and her brother Dean Lee Peterson.

Karen is survived by her husband of 61 years, Arlem, her sister Paulette Bolden (Ed) and brother John Peterson (Marilyn). Also surviving are her children, Kim Wall (Larry), Karie Eck (Steve), Kristi Smalley (James) and Craig Bryngelson; grandchildren, Jeffrey Tippet (Marvin Lei), Timothy Furfaro (Minna), Cheri Smith, Carter Smalley, Marcell Smalley and Marissa Wall.

Arrangements are being handled by the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Bemidji. Memorial Services will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Funeral Home. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.

 Service Information