Karen Rebecca Ziesemer

Karen Rebecca Thorson Ziesemer was born on March 3, 1938, in Madison, Minnesota, the daughter of Einar and Gladys (Winge) Thorson. She was baptized at the Lutheran Church in Madison and was confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN. She attended school in Alexandria. Karen learned at a young age a good work ethic and did whatever it took to make things happen. Her first job was at A&W as a carhop. She also worked at Viking Motel, American Cleaners and then at Knute Nelson until her retirement. Karen was united in marriage to Don Ziesemer on March 9, 1955 in Osakis, Minnesota. To this union three children were born: Dawn, Leslie and Troy. They raised their children on a farm in Garfield and were members of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. She instilled in her children anything worth doing is worth doing right, always be kind to others, have a good relationship with God. She was the rock of the family and was a very patient person who never would judge or put people down. Growing up Karen loved to play the ukulele and sing. She also enjoyed cutting and fixing hair and soon became the family barber. Karen loved dogs and enjoyed raising her toy poodles. She also loved sewing, canning, baking and was famous for her spice cake. She loved spending time with her family and her little smirk and sassy one liners will always be remembered. Karen was a woman of strong faith and was an active member of St. Luke’s Church where she served on the service committee and volunteered at other church activities as well. Karen died on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at her home surrounded by her family. She is survived by Don Ziesemer of Garfield; daughters: Dawn Marie Johnson of Fargo, Leslie Ziesemer of Minneapolis; two grandchildren: Cory & Jessica; four great grandchildren: Brooke, Dawson, Kalin & Haley; brother, Ed Sr. (Sandy) Thorson of Alexandria; sisters: Juanita Freier of Alexandria, and Sherry & (Scott) Norlien of Garfield, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Troy; parents, Einar & Gladys; brothers: Roger & Charlie, sisters: Phyllis & Savina. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 1:30 PM at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Garfield. Pallbearers are Jessica Anderson, Brooke Anderson, Haley Ziesemer, Cory Ziesemer, Timothy Freier, Todd Freier. Honorary Pallbearers are Kalen Anderson, Dawson Anderson. Burial will be at St. Luke’s Cemetery in Garfield. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net

Karen Rebecca Ziesemer

March 3, 1938 - April 29, 2015