Karen Sylvia Mikkelson

Karen Mikkelson resident of Plymouth Minnesota passed away on October 25th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Karen persevered during a lengthy cancer journey with optimism. Survived by beloved husband Bruce O. Mikkelson and children Kari Mark (Mark Dasovich), Kristin Daby (Ralph), Kolin Mark (Linda); grandchildren Amelia, Grace, Veronica, Katrina, Ralph, and Brigit; six great-grandchildren; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Charles and Karna Mikkelson, Karen and Gary Peterson, Sue and David Durtsche and families. Preceded in death by her parents, brother Kent Sluka, sister-in-law Mardell Sluka, and former husband Peter Mark.
Karen was born in Aberdeen South Dakota to Lillian and Louis Sluka and graduated from Central High School. Karen earned a BS Degree in Home Economics from North Dakota State University and a MEd from the University of Minnesota. Her 34 years of teaching included Home Economics in the Robbinsdale School District, Project Discover Coordinator at Anoka Technical College, and Job Search Specialist at Anoka County Workforce Center.
Karen and Bruce celebrated 25 years of marriage in September and enjoyed an active lifestyle including tennis, alpine skiing, and ballroom dancing. Karen treasured her friendships old and new, many made through tennis, skiing, bowling, golf, bridge and mahjong. Karen and Bruce were avid ballroom dancers and enjoyed events through the Winterset Dance Club, Faculty Dance Club via UMN, and VFW. Karen and Bruce enjoyed living in the Plymouth West Branch neighborhood for over twenty-two years and made many great friends there.
Family was important to Karen; she loved spending time together and was very proud of their accomplishments. Mom was a champion of education, a lifelong dog owner (Moca the poodle at present) and an excellent cook who took great pleasure in entertaining and decorating for the seasons. Grandma Karen cherished her grandchildren and delighted in watching their lives unfold, followed by the blessing of great-grandchildren.
Karen and Bruce enjoyed exploring the world cruising through the Mediterranean, Alaska, and the Panama Canal along with trips to Sweden, Norway, Czech Republic, and Israel. Family destinations included Disney World, Tucson, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Palm Desert CA; lake time at Daisy Island in Vermillion and Lake Koronis in Paynesville Minnesota.
Karen had a strong Faith in God and enjoyed being part of a congregation including Calvary Lutheran Church and most recently St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church (SPD). She found fellowship attending SPD services and activities including a Holy Land Tour in 2022. She found support during her cancer journey by attending the SPD Thrive Cancer support group and the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) support group. Karen and Bruce attended the annual MOCA Gala in March, an event that celebrates those affected by associated cancers, raising awareness and funds to save lives through research and innovative treatments.
Karen was proud to have lived in Plymouth MN for over fifty years. Her family held a 90th birthday party at French Park in July and was so touched by the number of dear friends and family that attended, she visited with almost everyone!
In Karen's purse-size calendar, every week is noted with birthdays, appointments, and activities. Karen navigated two cancer diagnosis including surgeries and ongoing chemotherapy over fifteen years, always looking ahead with optimism - pressing forward and enjoying life. Inside the cover of her 2025 calendar she wrote, "Each day is a day that God has given us, and each moment of that day is in His hands."
Funeral service Wednesday November 5th 11:00 a.m. (visitation one hour prior) at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, Plymouth. Memorials preferred to the church, MOCA, or Pancreatic Action Network.