Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN

Karen Biever, 59, of Thief River Falls, MN died Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND with her loving family at her side.

Funeral service to celebrate Karen's life will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. John Voelker officiating.  Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

A gathering time for family and friends will be held from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM with a 5:00 PM prayer service on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.  Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Karen Louise Forsgren was born on March 21, 1958 in Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, MN the daughter of Ralph and Joyce (Stahl) Forsgren.  She was baptized into the Christian faith.  Karen attended school in Alexandria, MN and graduated from Jefferson High School with the class of 1976.  Following high school, she moved to Crookston, MN where Karen worked in food service at Villa St. Vincent.

On June 4, 1983, Karen was united in marriage to L. Neil Biever at Little Forks Church near Mayville, ND.  They moved to Columbus, ND where Neil ran a grain elevator and Karen was his office administrator. On June 30, 1986, the pride and joy of their family was born, Alicia Noel.  In 1990 the family moved to Thief River Falls where the family has continued to reside.

Karen worked various jobs in the community but her focus was always on her family.  In 1992, as Alicia started first grade, Karen went to college at the University of Minnesota Crookston to pursue her passion of Greenhouse Management, Horticulture, and Landscape Design.  After college, Karen started her own business, Karlof Garden & Landscape which she has successfully owned and operated in the Thief River Falls area.

With the first of Karen's grandchildren arriving in 2007 her priorities changed dramatically.  She chose to take on the role of Grandma which she took very seriously right to the end of her life.  Trenton, Spencer, Alexandra and Cameron became the highlight of her world.  She never missed an activity, game, or program where her grandchildren were involved.  If she wasn't taking care of the grandkids or working, Karen enjoyed spending time at Maple Lake where many of her fondest memories with family and friends were made.

Karen was a nurturer, caregiver, animal lover, was very empathetic, and a loving wife, mom & grandma.

Survivors include her loving husband of 34 years, Neil of Thief River Falls; daughter, Alicia (Cody) Jablinske of Warren, MN; grandchildren, Trenton, Spencer, Alexandra and Cameron; sister, Paula (Bill) Glade of Alexandria, MN; brother, Dave Forsgren of San Jose, CA; mother-in-law, Gloria Biever of Grand Forks, ND; and many other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Andrew; grandparents; father-in-law, Leon Biever; and many aunts and uncles.

Family condolences may be sent by visiting www.johnsonfuneralservice.com