26 Jul Karen Allen
Posted at 18:24h
in Uncategorized
by staff
Karen Corrine Allen, aged 75, passed away early Thursday, July 25th, surrounded by family after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Karen was born on October 30, 1948, in Minot, ND, to Walter and Irene (Zimmerman) Rogers. They made their home primarily in northwestern North Dakota where Walter farmed. Karen enjoyed sharing stories of growing up in a small town with her own children and grandchildren.
Karen married Franklin D. Johnson in January of 1966 and four children were born from the marriage: Franklin D. Jr., Daniel, Bernadette, and Jacqueline. They later divorced, and Karen married Marvin Lawrence (Larry) Allen on August 16, 1980, in Kenmare, ND. They made their homes in Kenmare, Tioga, and Bismarck over the years.
When younger, Karen enjoyed motorcycle riding with Larry, and they tried to take trips each summer. She was primarily a homemaker when her children were young and was a talented crocheter. Karen loved being outside in her yard, taking care of her flowers. She also had a special relationship with the neighborhood animals, including squirrels, rabbits, and birds. Karen had one special squirrel that she was able to hand feed. She loved visiting with her children and grandchildren in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Indiana and made many trips over the years. Karen also spent many hours spoiling her grand dogs at her home, their homes, or wherever they may be. She worked for Aramark for over 20 years before retiring. After retirement, she helped with bookkeeping duties at her son and daughter-in-law’s business in Bismarck for several years. Karen will be remembered for her warm, kind heart and giving, selfless nature to everyone around her.
Karen is survived by her husband, together for 46 years, Larry of Bismarck, ND, sons Frank (Stephanie) Johnson of Goshen, IN, and Dan (Dawn) Johnson of Bismarck, ND, daughters Bernie Schultz of Baxter, MN, and Jackie Johnson of Bowbells, ND, and grandchildren Kendra (Miranda Shively) Johnson of Syracuse, IN, Kyle Johnson of Goshen, IN, Aaron Schultz of Brainerd, MN, and Logan Schultz (fiancé Sierra Hynes) of Brainerd, MN. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren Everson Shively of Syracuse, IN, and John Weston of Brainerd, MN, her younger brother Wes (Corliss) Rogers of Grand Forks, ND, younger sister Eunice Landers (Doug Nicholls) of Eugene, OR, and her sister-in-law Lyn Lanz of Mandan, ND, along with multiple cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Walt and Irene, and two sisters, Joan Kalmbach and Janet Larson.
