Karen Swensen

Karen Marie Swensen, 51, died June 10, 2012, peacefully in her sleep at home in Duluth. She was born Feb. 7, 1961 in Augusta, GA to Don and Claryce Swensen. Karen was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, niece and friend to many. She lived for 10 years at Champion Childrens Home in Duluth, then eight years at Brainerd State Hospital, and her final 30 years at Oregon Creek and Hartley RSI homes in Duluth. She brought joy to many and loved life, music, humor, and her work at UDAC. Her disabilities never kept her from participating in a dog sled adventure, pontoon boat rides, concerts, camping, swimming, eating at Perkins, picnics and family occasions. Karen was a member of First Lutheran Church and enjoyed attending services and the coffee hour after service. She was preceded in death by her father, Don Philip Swensen, and many of her fellow residents who were family at her various homes. Karen is survived by her mother, Claryce Swensen; her sisters, Christine Swensen (Don Johnson); Kathleen (Scott) Krokum; Gracia Swensen and Amy Swensen (Paul Bourque); five nieces and four nephews and hundreds of friends. The family would like to extend special thanks to all her RSI family and the loving staff at RSI and UDAC. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 10 a.m. Thursday, June 14, 2012 in First Lutheran Church, 1100 East Superior Street, Duluth, following by a time of fellowship with Karens family. Burial at Park Hill Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Lutheran Church, UDAC or RSI. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555.