Karen Dunkelberger

Karen Ann Dunkelberger, age 82, passed away very unexpectedly on November 22, 2025, at CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota, surrounded by her family.

Karen was born on March 16, 1943, to Richard and Alice (Waterman) Petersen. She grew up in Iowa and graduated from Cedar Falls High School. On December 29, 1962, she married John “Scott” Waller, and together they welcomed three daughters: Ann Marie, Gina, and Jodi. After their divorce, Karen found love again and married Jon Lloyd Dunkelberger on May 28, 1976. With open arms she embraced his two sons, Scott and Rob, and together they built a blended family filled with love, energy, and devotion.

Karen and Jon made their home in Fargo, North Dakota, where they raised their family. She spent many years in the bookkeeping department at the Fargo Forum, where her attention to detail and strong work ethic were deeply valued.

Family was always at the center of Karen’s world. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with all her heart and if you ran into her out and about, you were sure to hear just how wonderful they were, usually followed by one of her funny stories about something they had said or done that made her smile. Her pride in her family was unmatched.

Karen was gifted with her hands and creativity. She loved counted cross-stitch and sewing, often making heartfelt gifts for friends and family. She enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage and bridge, and she approached every game with the same spark and enthusiasm she brought to life. Known for her loving nature, her spunky personality, and the smile that never seemed to leave her face, Karen touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Alice; her beloved husband, Jon Dunkelberger; and her grandson, Benjamin Lloyd Hartog.

Karen is survived by her children: Ann Marie (Tim) Maler, Gina (Scott) Hartog, Scott (Dawn) Dunkelberger, Jodi (Craig) Schroeder, and Rob (Micky) Dunkelberger; her brothers Phil (Mary) Petersen and Bruce (Johna) Petersen; her grandchildren Kyle Hicks, Lee Hartog, Eric Hartog, Briana (Darac) Peters, Ethan Dunkelberger, Alex Dunkelberger, Taylah Schroeder, Savannah Graham, George Yocom, and Aubrie Schroeder; her four great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Karen’s loving heart, joyful spirit, and unshakeable devotion to her family will be forever cherished and deeply missed.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church in Barrett, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake.