Karen Helen Eliason, 81, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on May 10, 2023, at the Mountrail Bethel Home in Stanley, ND.

Karen was born on December 1, 1941, in Kenmare, North Dakota to Lucy (Mader) and Iver Johnson. Her younger years were spent between the family farm and school days in Kenmare. She graduated Kenmare High School in 1960. Karen worked at the local dime store and then the State Bank of Kenmare until 1967 when she moved to Stanley, ND.

Karen was united in marriage to Irvin Eliason on June 5, 1966 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in rural Coulee, ND. They have called Stanley their home for the last 57 years. From this union two daughters were born, Lucinda and Tammy.

Karen went back to work as an assistant to the Mountrail County Auditor in 1977. She was later elected Mountrail County Auditor and held that position until her retirement in 2007. She was an active member of the American Lutheran Church where she served on the board. She also served on the Mountrail Bethel Home Board.

Karen will be remembered in many ways, but to her family and friends her cooking and baking will be at the top of the list. She never prepared just a meal; it was always a feast. A cup of coffee was always accompanied by a homemade caramel roll or a cookie. Karen was also a talented seamstress and crafter. Karen’s hands were never idle, as she was working on one project, she was planning the next. She was also an avid walker and made many paths in the pavement around the town of Stanley. Karen will be remembered for her love of children, especially her own and her grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her husband of 57 years; daughter, Tammy (Tom) Wilhelmi of Beach, ND; son-in-law, Jeff Jensen of Eagle River, AK; grandchildren, Abigail Wilhelmi, Madison Wilhelmi, Samantha Jensen, Jessica Jensen, and Holly Jensen; sister, Bonny (Herb) Kleinsasser; and brother, Alan (Karen) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her daughter, Lucinda Eliason-Jensen; parents, and two sisters and brother-in-law’s; Marie and Mack McCarthy and Ethel and LaVerne Anderson, and four nephews; Calvin, Terry and Gary McCarthy and Shawn Johnson.

Thank You