Karen Basaraba

KAREN ANN BASARABA Karen Ann Basaraba, age 73, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, after a five-year journey with dementia. She was born on July 2, 1952, in International Falls, Minnesota, to Carol (Deneen) and Leo Cassibo. Karen grew up in International Falls where she developed a lifelong love of sports, playing fast-pitch softball and volleyball and collecting countless cherished memories with her teammates and friends. Her passion for women's sports never faded; she believed they deserved far more recognition and proudly supported them throughout her life. Not long after high school, Karen met and fell in love with Ken Basaraba. They married and made their home in Fort Frances before later moving back to International Falls. Karen often joked that she "put in her order to God for two boys," and she was blessed with Troy and Shannon, who became the center of her world. From sewing their clothes when they were little boys to driving them to endless hockey practices, she loved every moment of motherhood. Karen worked at UHC while faithfully following her boys' busy hockey schedules. Summers were spent at the family cabin on Rainy Lake, a place she loved deeply. Throughout her life, she moved back and forth between the Falls and the Fort, forming dear friendships on both sides of the border. Karen was known for her distinctive, loud laugh and her knack for getting into harmless, healthy shenanigans. When grandchildren arrived, her heart grew even bigger. She adored Nicholas, Brianna, Landon, and Lauren, and proudly supported them in hockey, dance, volleyball, gymnastics, and track and field. She also had a soft spot for her grand-dogs. Karen enjoyed reading a good book, sharing a glass of Merlot, and escaping cold winters by traveling with Ken to warm, sunny destinations. She is survived by her son, Shannon Basaraba; her brothers, Bruce and Tim Cassibo; and her beloved grandchildren, Nicholas, Brianna, Landon, and Lauren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carol and Leo Cassibo; her sisters, Linda and Cheryl; and her son, Troy. Karen will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her devotion to sports, her joy for life, and the laughter that filled every room she entered. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 5, from 4-6:00 pm at the Elks Lodge #1599 in International Falls. Condolences may be left on www.greenlarsen.com Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.