Karen Mary Ann (Alby) Gausen

Karen Gausen formerly of Bemidji, MN passed away August 28, 2019 at The Classic at Hillcrest Greens in Altoona, WI.

Karen Mary Ann Alby was born February 24, 1942 in Thief River Falls, MN, the daughter of Lewis and Mae (Thompson) Alby. She grew up in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln Senior High School.  Karen was united in marriage to Larry Gausen on September 17, 1960. 

Larry and Karen settled in Bemidji, MN in 1969 when Larry began teaching at Bemidji State University. Karen was a loving wife and mother and a dedicated homemaker.  She was employed for a number of years at Kmart before joining Larry in retirement.  Karen enjoyed entertaining friends, taking trips to visit family and decorating her home for the seasons.  Both Larry and Karen felt they were put on earth to be grandparents and Karen felt blessed to have a close relationship with all of her grandchildren. 

Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years Larry; her parents; brothers, Robert Alby and Gerald Alby; sister Darlene Olson. 

She is survived by her children, Laurie Stensland of Sauk Rapids, MN, Kyle (Rita) Gausen of Billings, MT, Carrie (Richard) Peterlik of Altoona, WI, and Marty Gausen of Ashburn, VA; grandchildren, Kory (Tyann) Gausen, Shane Claypool, Keith Gausen, Amy (Kalen) Stoneking, Meg Claypool, and Rob Foy; great grandchildren, Kyle, Kaylyn and Flynn; brother, Lyle (Gina) Alby; sisters, Phyllis (Jack) Carlson and Cynthia Zacharias.

A private family service will be held at a later date. 

Memorials may be made in Karen’s name to the Greenwood Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 1431, Bemidji MN 56619.

Guestbook at www.OlsonSchwartzFuneralHome.com

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