Karen Fossell, 66, died Wednesday, November 2, 2005 at First Care Hospital in Fosston, MN, following a long fight with illness.

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, on Monday, November 7, 2005 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plummer, MN with Pastor Eminger officiating. Burial will follow in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Brooks, MN.

Visitation will be 4-7 P.M. on Sunday, November 6, 2005 at the Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

Karen Nancy Fossell was born May 15th 1939, the daughter of the late Herbert and Catherine (Maertz) Behr at Milwaukee, WI. She was raised in the area and attended school in South Milwaukee, WI. On July 31, 1957 she was united in marriage to the late Allan Fossell in Chicago, IL. The couple lived and worked in the South Milwaukee area until 1970, when they moved to Brooks, MN. In the early 70s, she owned and operated the Homestead Cafe in Plummer, MN. After years of raising 5 children, she finally fulfilled her lifelong dream and became a Licensed Practical Nurse, and worked at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls for 13 years before retiring. They moved to Plummer in December of 1994. On January 13, 2000 she was honored for 20 years of service on the Plummer School Board where she served as the clerk for 19 years. Additionally, she served as the clerk on Region 1 Elementary-Secondary Vocational (ESV) board; as treasurer on the Northwest Service Co-op, of which she was a member for 15 years; and finally, as a director on the Northwest Links governance board. And if that didnt keep her busy enough, she enjoyed crocheting and crafting; and was well known throughout the North-Western Minnesota region for her delicious cakes and beautiful silk wedding flowers.

Karen was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Plummer, MN where she belonged to the ladies aid; and the Plummer American Legion Auxiliary Unit #623, and was President during the years 1992 " 1997 and 1999-2000.

She is survived by her sons: Gregg and his wife Janet of Lexington, SC, Brian and his wife Tammy of Lexington, SC, Steven of Lexington, SC; daughters: MSgt Deana-Marie Berry and her husband Brian of Yuba City, CA and Catherine Fossell of Plummer, MN; six grandchildren: Justin, Spenser, Tyler, Brianna, Allison and Matthew Fossell; one brother: David Behr of Oak Creek, WI.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Allan Fossell, parents; mother and father-in-law, Julius and Estella Fossell; brother: Alan Behr; and brother-in-law: Vernon Fossell.