Karen Rud, 57, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Memorial service for Karen will be held 1:00 PM on January 2, 2024 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Pastor Gary Barrett officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Folden Cemetery near Newfolden, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Tuesday.

Karen Lynn Olson was born May 18, 1966 at Thief River Falls, MN daughter of Harlan and Betty (Garfve) Olson. She was raised and attended school in Thief River Falls and Newfolden areas until 10th grade when she moved to Minneapolis and got her GED.

She was united in marriage to Donnie Olson 1985 at Newfolden, MN. To this union two children were born Nikki and Jordan. The family lived at Newfolden, MN

Karen did several things over the years, she was a teachers aid for the Headstart program in Newfolden, house cleaning, helped with maintenance at the community homes in Newfolden, flagging for road work, line worker at Northern Pride, restaurant businesses, and then in 1993 she became her brother Ryan's personal care taker and did that for 26 years.

In 2011 Karen met special friend Kurt and the two resided in Thief River Falls till her passing

Karen enjoyed crafting and coloring, working with puzzles, playing bingo, thrifting and rummage sales. BS'ing with friends and family. Most of all she loved the time with her grandchildren.

Karen is survived by Nikki (Amanda) Olson of Grand Forks, ND and Jordan (Kayla) Olson of Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren Hayden, Ty, Landyn Olson, Whitley, Ruby, Rowdy Olson; mother Betty Olson of Thief River Falls, MN; siblings Patty (Dave) Tallum, Steve (Lu) Olson, Randy (Veronica) Olson, Sharon Olson; special friend Kurt Nelson of Thief River Falls, MN; along with many extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father Harlan, brother Ryan Olson, grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins.