Karen Nelson, age 91, of Bottineau, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 26, 2025 at a Bottineau hospital. The funeral will be held May 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Bottineau. Officiating at the Service will be Pastor Anne Nies. Casket bearers will be Angie Bakken, Jason Cote, Travis Nelson, Christin Berger, Evan Nelson, and Adam Nelson. Interment will be given by Pastor Glenn Berge at Lesje Lutheran Cemetery.     Organist will be Sheila Bertsch. Shelly Berge will be the pianist. Special music will be provided by First Lutheran Church Choir and Karen's Great-grandchildren.  Visitation will be on Sunday starting at 1:00 pm with a prayer service at 5:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Karen Ruth Marie Nelson, only child of Knute and Marie (Sveen) Gravseth was born April 2, 1934, in Bottineau. She was baptized and confirmed at Lesje Lutheran Church. Karen grew up on a farm south of Roth. She attended grade school in Eidsvold Township, high school for three years at Dakota Lutheran, Minot and graduated from Bottineau High School in 1952.  Karen worked for her uncle, Marvin Sveen. She began working for the State Bank in Souris and Bottineau for approximately thirty-four years.

Karen had a heart of gold. She was so giving and always ready to help anyone.

She was active in the Hospital Auxiliary, First Lutheran Church Quilters, Circle and the clothing center. Karen made baptismal cloths and banners. In her early years she taught Sunday School.Karen loved creating things such as: quilts, afghans, potholders, runners to give as gifts to family and friends. She organized and created two cookbooks.  She loved to teach her grandchildren the things she enjoyed doing such as: to bake, sew, crochet, scrapbook, and patch. A couple of the grandsons became proficient at patching their own jeans.

Karen was Joel's partner with many projects, including lefse baking. He rolled; she fried.  Karen had a strong faith in God. Joel and she rarely missed church on Sunday, usually arriving before the minister.  Karen would visit with everyone. All were welcome at their home.  Mom would say, "Stop by, I'll put the pot on."

Mom was always happiest when family was around.  See ya later. Love You Mom!

Karen is survived by: her daughter, Diane (Brian) Cote of Fargo; sons Marc (Deb) Nelson and Steve (Donna) Nelson all of Bottineau; grand-children: Angie (Mike) Bakken of Alexandria, MN, Jason (Melanie) Cote of Minneapolis, MN, Travis (Jenna) Nelson of Bottineau, Christin (Travis) Berger of Rothsay, MN, Evan Nelson and Adam Nelson both of Bottineau. Great Grandchildren: Iziah, Grace, and Levi Bakken; Ingrid and Lewis Cote; Sienna, Hailey, Kynlee and Braxtyn Nelson; and Paitynn, Wyatt and Whitley Berger; Sister-in-law, Glenda Nelson of Nampa, ID and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Joel; her parents, Knute & Marie Gravseth; her in-laws, Esther and Joseph Nelson, Oscar, Laverne, Marlyn, Doris, and spouses.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to the Lesje Lutheran Cemetery or St. Andrew's Hospital Long Term Activities Center.