Karen Paulson

Karen Mae Paulson, 75, passed away August 12, 2026, at Lake Region Hospital in Elbow Lake, MN.

Karen was born on September 10, 1950, to Margaret and Kenneth Bratvold in Fergus Falls, MN. She was baptized at Kvam Church in rural Dalton. She attended Country School District #4 in rural Ashby through eighth grade, then graduated from Ashby High School in 1968. After graduation, she began working at the Fergus Falls State Hospital. On November 14, 1970, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Larry Paulson. This union was blessed with two children: Beth and Bryan.

Karen put her career on hold to dedicate time to raising her family. Her next adventure involved sharing her fine cooking skills as co-owner of the Ashby Snack Shack alongside Pat Olson. She later re-entered the workforce at Lake Region Hospital as a Unit Clerk, where she worked until her retirement. Karen was an active participant in her community. She was a member of Kvam Church and the Ashby Garden Club, and served as president of both the Ashby American Legion Auxiliary and, most recently, the Ashby Senior Citizens.

Karen was a social butterfly; her days were best spent meeting with her multitude of friends for coffee, lunch dates, shopping, or playing bingo. Most importantly, Karen loved her family and adored her grandchildren. You could regularly find her visiting with the "Grands," as she affectionately called them. Whether present in person or watching virtually, she was always there cheering them on at sports games, concerts, and other events.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Kenneth Bratvold; her brother, Mark; and her niece, Nicole Leman. She is survived by her husband, Larry; children, Beth Jarandson and Bryan (Megan) Paulson; grandchildren, Jordan Jarandson, Julia Jarandson (Austin Bertollini), and Evan, Ashley, and Courtney Paulson; siblings, Carolyn (Loren) Leman and Joe (Ann) Bratvold; and sister-in-law, Barb Bratvold.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, at Zion Lutheran Free Church in Dalton, MN, with a visitation beginning an hour prior at 12:00 noon.

Arrangements with Glende-Nilson Funeral Homes.