Thief River Falls – Karen Rud, 57, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls.
Karen Lynn Olson was born May 18, 1966 at Thief River Falls, daughter of Harlan and Betty (Garfve) Olson. She was raised and attended school in Thief River Falls and Newfolden areas until 10th grade when she moved to Minneapolis and got her GED.
In 1985 she was united in marriage to Donnie Olson in Newfolden. To this union two children were born, Nikki and Jordan. The family lived in Newfolden.
Karen did several things over the years, she was a teacher’s aide for the Headstart program in Newfolden, she also did house cleaning, helped with maintenance at the community homes in Newfolden, did flagging for road work, was a line worker at Northern Pride, and had restaurant businesses. In 1993, she became her brother Ryan’s personal care taker and she was for 26 years.
In 2011 Karen met special friend, Kurt, and the two resided in Thief River Falls until her passing.
Karen enjoyed crafting and coloring, working with puzzles, playing bingo, thrifting and rummage sales as well as BS’ing with friends and family. Most of all, she loved the time with her grandchildren.
Karen is survived by Nikki (Amanda) Olson of Grand Forks, ND and Jordan (Kayla) Olson of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Hayden, Ty, Landyn Olson, Whitley, Ruby, Rowdy Olson; mother, Betty Olson of Thief River Falls; siblings, Patty (Dave) Tallum, Steve (Lu) Olson, Randy (Veronica) Olson, Sharon Olson; special friend, Kurt Nelson of Thief River Falls; along with many extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her father, Harlan; brother, Ryan Olson; grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Condolences may be sent at johnsonfuneralservice.com.
Memorial service for Karen was held 1 p.m. on January 2, 2024 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Pastor Gary Barrett officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Folden Cemetery near Newfolden. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Tuesday.
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