Karen Jean Muchow

Karen Jean Muchow, 65, a resident of Fargo, North Dakota, died Sunday, October 28, 2012 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born February 18, 1947, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Ronald A. and Luverne (Anderson) Muchow. She grew up in Fergus Falls, graduating from Fergus Falls High School in 1965. She later graduated from Moorhead State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology.

She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, as well as the National Genealogical Society and Red River Zoological Society.

Karen was employed for a time as a housekeeper at Lake Region Hospital, and then worked at a bank while living in the Twin Cities. She volunteered at the Fergus Falls State Hospital for a short time before being employed as a Human Services Technician, working with the developmentally disabled. Karen always said she received more back than she gave to the individuals she cared for. Therefore her retirement in 2000 was bittersweet.

After retiring Karen moved to the “big city” of Fargo. She said she had done and seen everything there was to do and see in Fergus Falls and wanted to expand her horizons. Fargo offered many new restaurants and shopping opportunities. Karen loved eating out and meeting new people. She never met a stranger.

Karen loved reading, fiction and nonfiction alike. She made frequent trips to the public library. She once told us she was making her way through the Dewey Decimal System. Her hobbies included scrapbooking, puzzles and genealogy. Karen studied her family’s ancestry in earnest, working with connections in Germany and all over to document her family tree.

Karen cherished spending time with her family especially her nieces and nephews. Christmas was one of her favorite times of the year. She took great joy in finding just the right gift for everyone and making her special cookies and candy. Karen loved all animals but most of all was a cat lover. Her family and friends often thought of her as cat crazy. She loved her cats as if they were her “children” and her home was filled with cat memorabilia.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her brother, Doug Muchow, a great niece, Kaitlyn Hasbargen and Saska and Misty Blue, two of her beloved cats.

Survivors include her siblings: Kathy Hasbargen (Tony Tovar) of Bismarck, ND, Steve Muchow (Deb Skadberg) of Nevis, MN, Mark Muchow of Fergus Falls, and Mary Beth Muchow of Chandler, AZ; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews and her cat “children” Sadie and Chloe.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home
Memorial Service: 1 p.m. Friday, November 2, 2012, at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Jennifer Rose
Olson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com