Karen Ann Kulzer, 55, Moorhead, MN, was surrounded by her loving family as she joined her Savior on February 23, 2004.
Karen was a loving and devoted wife and mother. Her grandchildren brought her much joy and laughter. Those who knew her understood that God and family came first. Her strong faith in God gave her the strength and courage to endure her long battle with cancer. Karen was a talented seamstress, enjoyed decorating her home and visiting with her friends. One of her proudest achievements was finishing the 500-mile CANDISC bike tour with her friends and husband in 1999. She was gifted with a beautiful voice and cherished her participation in the Church of the Nativity and St. Francis de Sales choirs.
Karen was born in Detroit Lakes, MN, to Kenneth and Adella Steffl on March 10, 1948. She graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1966 and Thief River Falls Technical College in 1968. She married Michael Joseph Kulzer on July 13, 1968, at Mahnomen. Karen and her family lived in Minot, ND, for many years where she worked as a secretary for the USAF Hospital. After moving to Fargo in 1995, she worked for the VA Hospital and retired in 2002.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Michael; her four daughters, Michelle (Randy) Ballensky, Ramsey, MN, Jennifer (Sean) Stephens, Grand Forks AFB, ND, Kristin (Michael) Deselich, Maple Grove, MN, Ruth Kulzer, Moorhead; her 6 grandchildren, Alexis, Alex, Jacob, Nathan, Lauren, and Luke. She is also survived by her parents, Kenneth and Adella Steffl, Larimore, ND, and three sisters, Paulette (David) Hubbard, Arvilla, ND, Linda (Don) Palmiscno, Grand Forks, ND, Pamela (Keith) Haake, Waite Park, MN; and three brothers, Brian (Heather) Steffl, Bismarck, ND, and Kevin (Cindy) Steffl and Jeff (Lisa) Steffl, both Vancouver, WA.
Visitation for Karen will be Friday, February 27, 2004, from 4 - 6 PM, with a prayer service at 6 PM, in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, February 28, 2004, at 2 PM at the church. Burial will be held in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Bejou, MN.