A Celebration of Life was held for Karen Dreyer, age 80 of New York Mills, on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills with Pastor Kirk Douglas officiating. Pallbearers were Peter Keranen, Steve “Squiggy” Salo, Peter Mindermann, DuWayne Roberts, Jay Mindermann and Cody Barthel. 

Karen Ann Vivian Thompson was born on July 23, 1941, in Perham, to Milton and Margaret (Clark) Thompson. Karen was baptized on September 14, 1941, and confirmed on May 15, 1955, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Evergreen in Frazee, Minn. 

She attended school at District No. 153 through the 8th grade and graduated from Perham high school with the class of 1959. Karen went to secondary school in Detroit Lakes for a short time before becoming employed at Federal Land Bank and Production Credit Association in Detroit Lakes where she was involved in making short-term loans to farmers. 

On August 14, 1965, Karen received the gift of her husband, Wendell, and they dairy farmed together in New York Mills where they lived for 56 years. When she wasn’t busy helping with farming, Karen enjoyed gardening, crocheting, walking, bowling, and snowmobiling. She cherished the time she spent with family, friends, and her “Mindermonkeys”–Grace, Sara, Josi and Jay. As an active LWML member, Karen shared her God-given gifts and served the Lord with gladness. 

On August 2, 2021, Karen left this life on earth for her eternal home in heaven. 

She is survived by her husband, Wendell; two children, Jody (Jay) Rose and Kevin Dreyer; siblings, Merle (Marian) Thompson, Dennis (Karen) Thompson, Linda (John) Kindt, and Ivan Thompson; and numerous other relatives. 

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Margaret (Clark) Thompson, and her sister, Doreen Thompson. 

The family wishes that any memorial donations be made to Women’s Care Center in Karen’s name. 

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Karen’s Tribute Wall. 

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.