Karen Gallagher

Karen Frances Gallagher, longtime resident of Grand Forks, ND passed away at her sister Valerie’s home in Medina, ND on February 22, 2022, after recurring battle with lung cancer.

Born July 28, 1946 in Jamestown to Edward and Laura (Steinwand) Gallagher, Karen’s childhood years began in Cleveland, ND as 2nd oldest redhead, with eventually seven other sisters and brothers.  Her father being a railroad foreman, the family moved to Oberon, ND.  After graduating high school, Karen’s choice of college was St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN.  Karen earned her elementary education degree in 1968.  She taught for two years in Marshall, MN, alongside her friend Sharon Keller.

In 1970 Karen began teaching 1st graders at Kelly School in Grand Forks.  She continued at Kelly until her retirement in 2005.  Not wanting to leave the profession she loved, Karen substituted for ten more years, charming scores of children with her innovative lessons, puppet shows, and plays.

Outside the classroom Karen was active in the 1970’s, serving in the GF Education Association.  Elected NDEA representative at state and national levels, she traveled frequently to Washington, D.C.  The Smithsonian Institute gave Karen much pleasure, viewing exhibits in free time.  In recent years, Karen joined the PEO, a philanthropic group of women who encourage the education of women.  She had great fondness for those in her “sisterhood”, and served as chaplain.

Devoted to her church, Karen attended St. Michael’s Catholic Parish on Sundays, and Holy Family on weekdays after she retired.  She volunteered as a lector for Masses at Tufte Manor.

Karen developed a passion for quilting, took classes, and joined quilting groups.  She relished the companionship of fellow quilters, driving to Mayville, ND to join friends.  Her sewing projects expanded to creating specialty tote bags, scarves and hats, many donated to cancer patients.

At home, Karen’s comfort and joy were her little dogs, most recently Oscar and Ollie, relaxing with CD’s of Celtic music.  She continued to supply friends and family with home-baked chocolate chip cookies and caramel rolls, skills learned in Oberon with 4 H classes.  Karen sewed for her family, making play dresses for girls, hooded towels for boys, and comfort blankets for their pets.

Mourning the loss of this beloved sister, Karen leaves behind six siblings and spouses: Neal John Gallagher, Bismarck, ND; Valerie Flegel, Medina, ND; Margaret “Peg” (Clint) Grinsteiner, Carney, OK; Patrick Gallagher, Bismarck, ND; Ed “Chuck” (Lillian) Gallagher, Highlands Ranch, CO; Jackie (Arnold) Guerra, Phoenix, AZ.  Cherishing their Aunt Karen: Alexandra Gallagher; Greg Buschmann, Stacy Ford, Christopher Flegel, Chad Grinsteiner, Robyn Miller, Melissa Gilbert, Nathan Guerra, Beth Whiteman, Andre Guerra, Todd, Jason and Michael Gallagher.

Karen was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Laura Gallagher, sister Lillian "Jill" Buschmann, brother-in-law LeRoy Flegel and nephew Samuel Flegel.

Vigil prayers and sharing followed by a rosary will be 10:00 AM, Monday, February 28, 2022 at St. Mathias Catholic Church, Windsor, ND.  Mass of christian burial will be 11:00 AM, Monday at St. Mathias with Rev. Peter Sharpe officiating.  Burial will be in Windsor at a later date.