Karen Paulette Krause

Karen Krause, 67, Bismarck ND died Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND.

Karen Paulette Schlenker was born October 4, 1946 at Jamestown ND, the daughter of Paul and Elsie (Muller) Schlenker. She attended school at Gackle and graduated from Gackle High School in 1964. She continued her education at Valley City State College where she received her degree in English. She taught at Sargent Central High School in Forman from 1968 until 1978, followed by a year at Mandan High School.

Her flair for dramatics was evident through the many outstanding high school drama productions she coached. Memorable to her community was a play she directed, entirely in German, to celebrate Gackle's 75th year.

During that celebration, she became reacquainted with Bob Krause and they were married in Gackle on September 27, 1980. In Bob's words, "She was the best thing that ever happened to me". They made their home in Montana where she was a substitute teacher, school secretary, and dental office receptionist. In 2001 they moved to Bismarck for their retirement and have continued to reside.

Karen found great pleasure in pursuing her many passions including holiday decorating, reading a good mystery, making food gifts, creating handmade greeting cards and vegetable and flower gardening. She loved being surrounded by flowers, especially star-gazer lilies, and always looked for another spot to plant more.

Karen was an animal lover, especially the cats that she welcomed into her family. Her pets were well-loved and received her unconditional care and attention.

She was a member of the First United Church of Christ in Gackle.

She is survived by her husband Robert, Bismarck ND; 1 step-daughter, Shanny (Greg) Richard and 3 step grandchildren, Blake, Brenna, and Brent, Colstrip, MT; sisters-in law Karen Krause, and Terry (Dean) Remboldt ; brother-in-law Rodney (Gwen) Krause; nieces, nephews, many cousins and her pets Tanner and Misty.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

FUNERAL SERVICE - 11:00 AM Monday, June 23, 2014 in the First United Church of Christ
at Gackle, ND, with Pastor Rick Steele, officiating

VISITATION - 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sunday @ the funeral home in Gackle

INTERMENT - Gackle Cemetery, Gackle ND