Karen Bright

Karen D. (Vos) Bright, unexpectedly passed away Friday morning July 18, 2025 at her residence in Viborg, SD. She was born on Leap Day, February 29, 1952 in Slayton MN to Floyd and Cornelia (Scholten) Vos. Growing up she was the ninth of ten children and attended Chandler, MN High School where she graduated in 1970. Karen spent her young adult years in Nevada and California before moving back to Minnesota in 1983, to attend Worthington Community College. There she received her Associates Degree in Business Administration, then continued to Mankato State College as a non-traditional student, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree with honors Magna Cum Laude in 1988.

Karen worked a short time in Public Relations for Crippled Children’s Hospital and School before becoming the Apple, Inc computer sales rep for schools in South Dakota at Connecting Point Computer Center. She married Craig Bright on October 5th, 1991 in Sioux Falls, SD and became a devoted stepmother to Craig’s three children. She started working for XRX, Inc, a Knitter’s Magazine/Books Publisher in 1993. She began in accounting, moved to selling advertising and later became Managing Editor before retiring in 2017. While with the company, she traveled across the country and to Europe doing knitting expos and photo shoots. During her working years, Karen was also a farmers wife when Craig took over the family farm near Hurley, SD. Karen took pride in her role as a nurturing and caring Nana to her beloved granddaughter, Anesha. She enjoyed attending her sporting activities and musical concerts, as well as their shopping and nail salon outings. Karen was known for her deep love for family and touched the lives of so many with her kindness, laughter and unwavering support. Her close bond with her brothers and sisters was a source of strength and joy throughout her life. Karen was also a beloved aunt, a loyal friend, and a steady comforting presence to those fortunate enough to know her. After retiring, Karen spent her leisure time knitting, puzzling, shopping on Amazon, indulging in her obsession with the TV series “Outlander”, making visits and taking cruises and trips with relatives.

Grateful to have shared her life are her children; Jennifer Bright and Jackie Bright, both of Sioux Falls, SD, Jon Bright of Salem, SD, granddaughter, Anesha Bright of Sioux Falls, SD. Her cherished siblings; Marilyn Glover and Helaine Fitts of California, Bev Rickenbaugh of Edgerton, MN, Bill (Beth) Vos of Arizona, Rick (Terry) Vos of Faribault, MN, sisters-in-law; Charlene Vos of Washington, Leann Vos of Pipestone, MN and Christe (Scott) Stewart of Sioux Falls, SD along with numerous nieces and nephews. Special family friends, the Christoffersons of Centerville, SD. Longtime feline companion, Fergie and Karen’s newest fur-baby, Fraser, a 9-week old Shorkiechon pup.

Karen is proceeded in death by her husband Craig Bright, parents, Floyd and Cornelia Vos, parents-in-law, Betty and Gene Bright, brothers: Lenny, Butch, Arvin and Gary, sister-in-law, Arlene Vos, brothers-in-law; Chuck Bright, Rick Rickenbaugh and Leon Fitts.

A celebration of life will be held Labor Day weekend during what was already a planned family reunion. Sunday, August 31st at 1pm at 23465 Dahle Ave, Faribault, MN. A private inurnment will be held at the Hurley, SD cemetery on Sunday, September 7th.