Karen Ranum
March 1, 1944 — September 11, 2012
After 68 years of "niceness", as her grandson described her, Karen Mae Ranum passed away peacefully in Grand Marais, MN, from renal cell carcinoma diagnosed in 2008. Born March 1, 1944, Karen lived a full life in the Twin Cities, Lincoln NE, Chicago, Buffalo NY, Tucson, and Grand Marais.
Karen was known for her warm smile and love of family, friends, natural beauty, animals and books by favorite authors. Along with working as a dental hygienist, she was a great cook and avid reader. She enjoyed golf, bridge, doing puzzles and talking on the phone. She had a prodigious memory for names and phone numbers. She often joked that she would probably be remembered mostly for "being a good eater", "always paying top dollar" and "browning up nicely". She was never good at buying things for herself but was great at sending gifts and doing things for others.
Karen leaves behind her beloved husband of 45 years, Peter Ranum; her adored daughter, Amie; sister, Pat Pannek; brother, Ed McNiece; and grandsons Toby and Cole Slater.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais.