Karen Anderson, age 56, of Leeds, ND, went home to Jesus on Thursday, June 30, 2011, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Karen was surrounded by her family, who sang her favorite Christian songs to her as she entered the Kingdom of Heaven.   Funeral services Wednesday, July 6, 2011,  11:00 AM at North Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Leeds, ND with Pastor Michael Rohrer officiating, with the Eulogy from Pastor Linda Schauer.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday at the church from 4 to 7pm, with a  7pm Service of Music, Scripture and Sharing.  Casket Bearers will be:  George Anderson,  Calvin Ihry,  Kevin Johnson,  Steven Guthrie,  David Ahlberg and Gary Schauer.    Music will be from:  Faryn Esterly,  Marge Johnson,  Nancy Silliman, her grandchildren & nieces:  Caleb & Emmi Ihry and Laurel & Brooke Johnson;  Silver Strings violin ensemble and Dan Nybo & Kyle Vanderbeek, accompanists.

Karen DeAnna Johnson was born June 18, 1955 in Cando, ND, the daughter of Lawrence and Hazel (Himle) Johnson. She was raised on a farm near Cando and graduated from Cando High School in 1973. Following high school, she attended and graduated from Trinity School of Nursing in Minot, ND.  In 1977, she married the love of her life, Greg Anderson. They made their home in rural Leeds. Karen worked as a Registered Nurse at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake, ND for about a year. She then decided to stay home to fulfill her dream of becoming a mom. She was so devoted to her husband and five children, always putting their needs above her own.

A talented musician, Karen played piano and organ at North Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Leeds for 30 years, and played piano and sang for dozens of weddings and funerals. Over the last few years, she began to write her own piano music and said she wrote each of her songs to bring glory to God.

She was an avid gardener, and loved being outside with her flowers. Karen had transformed her backyard into a beautiful garden. She loved cooking for her family, playing piano and attending track and cross country meets to cheer on her kids. She was so proud of their accomplishments. More than anything she loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother, and spending time with family. She was kind to everyone, and even during some of her toughest times, was always thinking of others.

Left to mourn her passing are her husband, Greg; five children, her daughter, Leanna (Calvin) Ihry of Thompson, ND, her son, George (Laura) Anderson of Bismarck, ND, her daughter, Krista     Anderson of Grand Forks, ND, her daughter, Lindsay Anderson of Grand Forks, ND, and her daughter, Alyssa Anderson of Leeds, ND; two grandchildren (Calvin and Leanna's children), Caleb and Emmi Ihry; her mother, Hazel Johnson of Cando, ND; a sister, Julie (Steven) Guthrie, of Livermore, CA, a brother, Kevin (Jessica) Johnson of Ankeny, IA, and three nieces, Catherine, Laurel and Brooke,  and one nephew, Steven.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Johnson, grandparents and father and mother-in-law, George and Annabel Anderson.



Condolences:

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Karen was a wonderful woman, I will always remember her. Rosemary & Joe Goeser

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.  Karen was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.  Few people have gone through what she did and still she maintained such a brave spirit always.  She will be missed by eveeryone who knew and loved her.  If there is anything we can do to help in the coming days/weeks/months, please know; we would consider it an honor.  Our love to each one of you.    Ardon and Audrey Herman

All of our Love and good thoughts be with your whole family. Karen was so special and will be missed so much, but think of all the good memories..... Love to Greg and family.   Dorothy and Vince

Oh Karen, It is not right that you are gone so soon, and suffered too much. You are loved from such a cloud of friends and family. We miss you, but rejoice that you are with God.     Larry & Barb Swingen

GREG AND FAMILY. MY THROGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME. KAREN WAS A GREAT LADY. WE WILL ALL MISS HER.  YOUR CLASSMATE LAURIE TOSTENSON

Greg and family:  I am so sorry to hear about Karen's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time in your lives.    Candy Balkenbush

My heartfelt sympathy to your family in these grieving times.  This has been a tough battle for all of you the past few years. What I remember most about Karen was her kindness and positive attitude--all the time.  That is a quality that your entire family has and that is something to be very proud of.  She definitely touched many lives over the years and everyone who knew Karen is a better person because of it.    Jeff Manley and family