Karen Marion Brown

With a long, fulfilling life well lived, Karen Marion Brown left this world at peace following a brave four-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. She was born on October 22, 1941, in Duluth, MN. She was the proud oldest sibling to her four younger brothers and sisters. Karen attended Central High School and graduated from the College of St. Scholastica as a registered nurse, a profession that allowed her to positively impact countless lives throughout her career.

Faith was a significant part of Karen's life. She met her spouse, Ray Brown, at Bethel Baptist Church and exchanged vows on August 5, 1961, in Milwaukee, WI. Thereafter, they started their family, with two kids soon to follow.

Karen worked most notably at Miller Memorial Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, and taught at St. Scholastica in the Nursing Department. Karen’s strength of character, and caring nature ensured an incredible career that significantly impacted the lives of many patients and students. 

In her golden years, Karen enjoyed the nature and wildlife surrounding her home on Floodwood Lake in Hibbing, MN. She loved to gaze out at the beautiful view of the water, to see the children play, or to simply watch the setting sun. Most rewarding was spending time with her great-grandchildren, going on walks to the lake, teaching them how to garden, and sharing her subtle wisdom and kindness. They affectionately called her “Peek-a-boo Grandma” and loved her dearly, but it's clear that her kindness and warmth extended far beyond her family. She will always be remembered as Grandma Brown by those who got to know her.

Karen is survived by her husband, Ray Brown. Children: Charley (Sally) Brown, Kathryn Brown. Siblings: Myrna (Jack) Lehigh, Peter (Joyce) Forbort, Cynthia (Ronald) Abernethy, Paul Forbort, sisters-in-law Arlene Erickson, and Lois Olson. Grand Children: David James Brown, Wayne (Maddy) Hidy, Holly (Adam) Majewski, Jesse (Riley) Schinderle. As well as ten great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Marion (Williams) Forbort, In-laws Ralph Sr. and Ione (Nelson) Brown, and Brothers-in-law Ralph Brown Jr., Elwood Erickson, and John Olson.

The family warmly invites everyone to join them in celebrating Karen's life on July 29, 2023, at 11:00 am. The celebration will be held at the Goodland Community Center in Goodland, MN. Let's all come together to honor and cherish the joyful memories Karen brought into our lives.