Karen Ann Irene Burge

Karen Ann Irene (Saari) Burge, 71, of rural Crystal Falls passed away on November 1, 2025, after a long battle with clear-cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Karen was born on August 18, 1954, in Hancock, MI, the second daughter of Carl I. and Irma A. (Holappa) Saari. She was raised in Paavola Location and attended Hancock Public Schools, graduating in 1972. She graduated from Suomi College in 1974.
On March 22, 1975, she married Michael Ray Burge of Dollar Bay, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. After living for a few years in Racine, WI, and Houghton, MI, they raised their three boys, Allan Michael, Steven William, and Jeffrey Peter, in Crystal Falls. When all three boys were in school, Karen went to work for the Forest Park School District, first as a library aide and later as school secretary; she retired in 2016. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Amasa.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Irma Saari; her brother, Kevin; and Mike's parents, Iris and William Burge.
She is survived by her husband, Mike; her sons, Al, Steve, and Jeff; her grandchildren, Sgt. Lucian Michael Burge, Isolde (Izzy) Marie Burge, and Liam Dean; her sisters, Karla (Tino) Kitalong and Kristine Saari; and Mike's siblings and siblings-in-law, Tom (Phyllis) Burge, Mary Jean (the late David "Butch") Westcott, and Sherry (the late Bill) Burge. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including her BFF of 40+ years, Kay (Frank) Dedo. Karen was "Gram B" to a host of "bonus" grandchildren, including Carson Schmit; Mykenzie, Madison, and Natalie Monkevich; and the Dedo kids and grandkids.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 am -11:00 am on Monday, November 10, 2025, at United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am at the church. Pastor D.J. Rasner will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Karen Burge online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.
The family has entrusted Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.