Karen L Thernell

Karen Lea Palm Thernell, 95, passed away peacefully March 10, 2026, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

She was born July 19th, 1930, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to the late Rueben and Ethel Palm. After graduating from high school, she worked for the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department and maintained an active outdoor life coaching and playing basketball, baseball and bowling. Karen and Harry enjoyed golf, fishing and boating together for the remainder of their years. As a young woman, she was chosen "Miss Richfield" which lead to her becoming a "Candidate" for Aquatennial Queen.

Karen married Harry Thernell on April 20th, 1950. Together they raised four children, first in Edina, Minnesota, before moving to Boca Raton, Florida, in 1959. Harry built luxury homes from Boca Raton north to Hobe Sound, and Karen contributed her creative talents in interior design, decorating, and maintaining the office. Karen was continually involved in community affairs, as well. She spent nearly 10 years as President of the Debbie Rand Memorial Service League, helping to establish a much needed Community hospital in Boca Raton. In the early 1970's Karen purchased Evelyn's Drapery Studio, a high-end drapery/decorating studio with manufacturing site in Boca Raton and ran it as a family business.

In 1988, they purchased a home on Blanche Lake, and in 1992, they returned permanently to Minnesota to be closer to their grandchildren. Karen was deeply devoted to her family, serving as a loving and constant presence in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also active in local church communities, attending First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake and St. James Episcopal Church in Fergus Falls in the years following Harry's death.

She is survived by her children: daughters, Cindy Thernell and Layne Thernell of Fergus Falls, and son, Jay Thernell (Vicki Pakradooni) of Harrisville, NH; her brother, Brad (Sarah) Palm of St. Louis Park, MN; sister-in-law, Ruth Palm of Eagan, MN; grandchildren: Ahren (Allison) Enders of Fergus Falls, Shannon (Chris) Christensen of Boca Raton, Florida, Rian Bosse (Joanna Alvillar) of Phoenix, Arizona, and Joshua Thernell of McKinleyville, California; and great-grandchildren: Saxon Enders (Natalie Vogel) of Fergus Falls, Xavier Honer of St. Paul, Minnesota and Sebastian, Sarah and Samantha of Phoenix Arizona, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and special friend Anita Riley. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Shad Thernell, brothers, Ron and Larry Palm and Xavier's dad, Dajun Honer.

Karen touched the lives of family and friends with her kindness and grace. Her warm smile and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service celebrating Karen's life will be held on July 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church in Fergus Falls, followed by a light meal. Burial at First Lutheran Cemetery in Battle Lake, MN. Arrangements with Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.