Karen Vigsnes

Karen B. (Clausen) Vigsnes

Born: 6 August 1918

Died: 1 April 2016

Karen passed peacefully into eternal life at a group home in St. Charles, IL.

She was born on the island of Karmoy, Norway.

When she was four years old her family moved to the United States and lived in various locations.

Finally they settled down in Brooklyn, NY.  She married Karstein Vigsnes from Norway in 1940 at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church in N.Y.  They helped many Norwegians immigrating to America. They enjoyed many trips to Norway, and she traveled extensively with her sister Sylvia.  In 1960, they moved to Lake Telemark, a little Norwegian community in northern New Jersey. She worked in banks as a drive-up teller for years.  She was known for having treats for dogs, even though she was a cat person.  Then in 1985, Karen and Karstein moved to Jim Thorpe, PA.  After Karstein died in 1997, Karen lived alone until 2008 when she moved to Batavia, IL. to be near her family.  Her talent was evident in the many afghans and Norwegian wall hangings she made as well as her quilting with the ladies at church.

Karen will be remembered for her witty sayings, card playing, warm hospitality, love of music and family.

Preceding her in death were her father, Berge Clausen, and mother, Ragnhild (Lande) Clausen,

two sisters, Birget (Clausen) Nicolaysen, and Sylvia Clausen, and her husband Karstein.

Karen is survived by her son, Richard (Carol), grandchildren Richard ll (Katrina) Kara Ann (Dave), John Karstein, Laura, Christian (Lindsay), greatgrandchildren David (Mariah), Kristin (Nico), Ingrid, Jordea and Kaelyn.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law Birger (Barbara) and their family, her sister-in-law Alfhild in Norway as well as relatives and friends there.

Her family wishes to thank everyone at the group home and Hospice for their loving care.

There will be a memorial service at the Norris-Segert Funeral Home , 132 Fremont Street, West Chicago, IL. 60185 on Sunday April 10th at 2 PM.

Karen will be buried next to Karstein at Christ Lutheran Memorial Park Cemetery , Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania after a 1 PM Church Service.  Refreshments to follow

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church , 159 Church Road, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 or one of your choosing.

Send correspondence to: Richard Vigsnes , 313 East Washington Street, West Chicago, IL. 60185

E-mail vigsnes@comcast.net