Karen L. Kern

Karen L. Kern, 61, formerly of Pembina, ND, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Pembina Pioneer Methodist Church. Visitation will be held one hour before the time of the service.

Karen was born in Hallock, MN to Edward “Cope” and Mary (Smith) Kern. She was nicknamed “Toopie” by her Grandpa Kern. Karen was born deaf and was raised in Pembina, ND, with her education beginning at the Pembina Public School before transferring to the North Dakota School for the Deaf, graduating in 1984 as an honor student. It was there, at NDSD, that she made many lifelong friends. Karen continued her education at TVI college in St. Paul, MN for two years where she majored in graphic arts and graduated in 1986.

Karen worked in various jobs in Pembina until she moved to Fargo in 2000 and became involved with the deaf community. She was employed by Custom Graphics, Inc. in Fargo for 14 years before retiring due to health issues.

She enjoyed bible study, deaf social events, and crafts. Karen was also deeply active in the deaf community and in what she called “Deaf Church.” She was a member of the Kern-Thompson American Legion Auxiliary, Community Alliance Deaf Church and the North Dakota Association of the Deaf. 

Left to mourn Karen are her brother, Kevin “Cope” Kern and his daughter, Becca, the Kern cousins and a family of dear friends and her beloved cat, Walter.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Dennis, grandparents, Walter and Mary Kern and Earl and Elise Smith and cousin, LuAnna Kern.