Karen L. Aslagson

Karen Aslagson, age 86 of Glenwood, died Sunday, February 18, 2024 at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood. A private family burial was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Brooten and a celebration of Karen's life will be held in the summer. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

Karen Lou Aslagson was born on June 11, 1937, in Brooten, Minnesota. Karen's journey began as the first of two children to Gilbert and Echo Bernice (Flaten) Aslagson. Her early years were marked by the loss of her mother when she was nine, after which her father remarried Belva Hesse. Her father then died when she was fifteen and she went on to live with her aunt and uncle. Despite the challenges of her youth, Karen's vivacious spirit never waned.

Karen's academic journey led her from the classrooms of Brooten to the halls of Glenwood High School, where she graduated in 1955. Her love for learning propelled her to Saint Cloud State, where she earned her bachelor's degree in teaching, a profession that would define much of her life.

In 1960, Karen was united in marriage to Willie Ole Knute Kjeldahl in Glenwood. The couple initially set roots in Fergus Falls, but after their divorce in 1971, Karen returned to Brooten, eventually settling in the Chisago Lakes Area. For 25 years, she dedicated herself to the Chisago Lakes Area School District, nurturing young minds and inspiring countless individuals. Upon her retirement in 1997, Karen continued to share her love for education by teaching adults to read and write.

Throughout her life, Karen's involvement in the community was a testament to her spirited nature. She was an active member of the caring and sharing at Glenwood Assisted Living, a dedicated participant of the National Education Association of the USA, and a devout member of the Bible study at Glenwood Estates. Her interests were as varied as they were passionate, from astrology to watching sports. Karen will be remembered as someone who was not only funny and friendly but also spirited in every aspect of her life. She had an uncanny ability to bring a smile to anyone's face, and had a great sense of humor. Her dedication to teaching and her love for her family and friends were the cornerstones of a life well-lived.

Karen's legacy is carried on by her loving family, including her son, Chad (Betty Jo) Kjeldahl of New London, step-grandchildren Garrett Nichols, Kyle Nichols, and Caitlin Clark, and great-step-grandchildren Verity Nichols, Daylon Nichols, Rose Nichols, and Iris Clark. She also leaves behind her half-sisters, Ann Eskelson and Donna Larson, her dear friend and companion, Rick Rau, and other relatives, and friends who cherished her presence in their lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Scott Kjeldahl in 1979, her special friend Ivar Vikingstad, step-sister Sonja Hawn, and her brother in infancy, Baby Aslagson.

As we say farewell to Karen Lou Aslagson, we celebrate a life that has left an indelible mark on so many. Her laughter may have quieted, but the echoes of her joyous spirit will resonate in the hearts of those who knew her, forever reminding us of the preciousness of each moment and the enduring power of education.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.