Karen L Fath

Karen Lorraine Fath, 84, of DeGraff, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 25th surrounded by her loving family, at Cura of Willmar. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 11th at Church of Our Lady of the Lakes in Spicer and will be streamed at https://www.ourlivingwater.org/karenfath.html.  Her visitation will be one hour prior to her service. Burial will be at Clover Leaf Cemetery in Willmar. A Celebration of Life will continue at the DeGraff Municipal Liquor Store following her interment. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org

Karen Fath, age 84, of DeGraff, MN, died peacefully on March 25, 2026. She was born July 3, 1941, in Willmar, MN, to Gordon and Nora (Melgaard) Nordin.

Karen grew up in Willmar, Atwater, Kandiyohi, and Benson. The oldest daughter, she was a loving sister to Karolyn (1945–1968). She graduated from Benson High School in 1959 and attended Concordia College in Moorhead for journalism.

In 1961, Karen married Richard Fath of DeGraff. They were the parents of David, Tony, and Dana. Karen and Richard later divorced in 1994.

Karen spent her life working on the land and caring for animals with patience, strength, and deep tenderness. She assisted with the farrowing of pigs, the calving of cows, and the hatching of ducklings and chicks—along with tending the many litters of barn cats. When her farming years came to an end, she served as secretary for St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in DeGraff, and later as Office Secretary at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar.

She was a devoted member of St. Bridget’s, where she directed the children’s Sunshine Choir and participated in Altar and Rosary.  A dedicated member of the DeGraff community, she helped with Labor Day parades, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and numerous local events. She also cherished her time with the Roaring 20’s Homemakers Group.

Karen will be remembered for her creativity, resilience, generosity, and friendship. She loved traveling, gardening, reading, knitting, crocheting, baking, and—most of all—spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: David Fath (Denise Ascheman), Tony Fath, and Dana (Michael) Strande; niece, Kelly Himley Hagen (Hoss Manska); nephews: Adam and Darin Himley (Shalesha); grandchildren: Jacob Fath, Bree Fath, Shae Fath, and Nora Strande; grandchildren: Brody Hagen (Natasha), Aaron Hagen (Heidi and sons: Jaxon, Hunter and Brooks), and Brennan Hagen Kent (Brennan and children: Bria and Grady), Shyanne Himley Hansen (Adam and daughter, Arlie), Danielle Himley (Aiden, daughter Avery and their son, Grayson), Adysen Himley, Christian Himley, Cody Himley, and Taylor Elliingson (Tanner).  Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Nora Nordin; her sister and brother-in-law, Karolyn and Gary Himley; her nephew, Andrew Himley; her niece Kelly’s husband Scott Hagen; and her granddaughter, Amara Strande.

Her life was a gift, and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her. May she know the extraordinary love of God.

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