Karen Kay Andersen was born December 22, 1957. The fifth child to Floyd and Ruth Andersen.

The first couple years of her life were spent on the family farm north of Palermo. The family then moved into Blaisdell where Ruth soon became the custodian and cook at the school. With all her siblings attending school she was Ruth’s little shadow, helping in the kitchen or sitting quietly watching.

As the youngest, one would think she was spoiled, but always sharing what she had and never a tantrum. In Blaisdell she met her best friend, Brian Vaage. They were inseparable, co-conspirators in many adventures and were often trying to copy the older kids which led to mischief.

The family moved to Stanley, where she attended grade school and high school. There she was a wrestling cheerleader and choir member. During high school she was employed at the Hohn Drug, where she became a favorite of the young and elderly. Knowing each and everyone’s name, their favorite ice cream or soda fountain drink.

After graduation Karen attended Minot State, studying to become a teacher. She attended UND for one semester, but thought it too far from home. Moving back to Minot she received her teaching degree.

Danny Lindberg and Karen dated in high school but with him graduating before her the relationship ended. They both later married and went in different directions.

Her first teaching position was in Maxbass, ND . She had found her calling and loved it. The years following she married, Mike Johnson, where most of her Newberg students knew her as Mrs. Johnson. They divorced but tried once more to make it work, going with him to Paris, Tx. Instantly she got a teaching position. From there to San Bernardino, Cal. Realizing she could not fix her marriage, she dove into her new teaching position wholeheartedly. Making lifelong friendships. But life in California was a challenge for a small town girl, with family so far away.

Danny himself had gone through a divorce, being separated from his children was devastating. Reaching out he contacted Karen and both realized what they had been missing each other.

Moving back to North Dakota was what she needed. To be closer to her Mom and siblings. And to marry the love of her life, Danny.

The next journey in her life would be filled with joy and heartache. Receiving a teaching position in New Town she made many more lasting friendships. Through these friends she was to receive the one thing in life she had always longed for a child. Arriving February 29, 2000 Dan and Karen lovingly received Kaitlynn Ann Lindberg.

She continued to drive to Newtown to teach but as Kaitlynn started school it became difficult to attend her functions and tend to her students. Getting a teaching position in Stanley allowed her to spend more time at home and get involved in community activities.

Her joy of being a mother gave her the strength to fight the cancer she fought so hard for so long.

After her first surgery and treatment we were all, friends and family, grateful she got to enjoy the following years. Raising Kaitlynn, teaching, traveling, spending time with family, become a Nana, country drives with Danny and just loving life.

Karen was called to her heavenly home with family and friends waiting to greet her , arms wide open, Saturday August 1 , 2020.


She is survived by her husband, Dan; daughter, Kaitlynn Fettig; step children, Shantel Arrends (Ben) and Chase Lindberg; brother, Dale (Crystal) Andersen; sisters, LaVonne Braaten and Joann (Micheal) Huck; grandchildren, Grayson Lindberg, Moxon Fetting and Bjorn Arends; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Duane and Janice Lindberg; nieces and nephews, Loy Andersen, Chase Andersen and Kari Braaten Gardner; nephew-in-law, Beau Burroughs and their daughter, Karsin; Beckey Andersen Berg, husband Jason, their children, Nichole, Calyee and Spencer; Joni Andersen Bartels, husband Ryan and children, Shawn, Carter,Ellie Andersen and Landon Huck wife Jennifer and son, Cooper; numerous cousins, their spouses and children; aunt, Agnes Grant and uncle, Joe Andersen.

Preceding her were her parents, Floyd Andersen and Ruth(Granny) Andersen; brother, George Anderson; brother-in-law, Kevin Braaten; childhood friend, Brian Vaage; best friend from California, Linda.Gilstrap and Tucker Hovda, who called her his second mom

She was so thankful for the love and support she received from her community. She was a blessing that will be missed but never forgotten by all who loved her.

Memorial Contribution