Karen Rapp

Karen Lynn (Kofstad) Rapp was born in Warroad, MN on September 21st, 1948 as the youngest of 14 children. She grew up on the Canadian border and recalled waking up to snow on her bed at times. Fortunately, she had numerous sisters in bed with her to keep her warm, although she has always hated being cold as a result. Her sister Peggy was her constant protector in life and best friend. She graduated from Warroad High School in 1966 and married Jim Smedsmo in 1966 and they had two daughters together, Kim and Jamie. The marriage was dissolved and Karen moved to Fulda, MN with her daughters and began nursing school to become an L.P.N. She met Dennis Rapp, the love of her life, and was married in 1980 in Roseau, MN. They had two children together, Ben and Jesse, and raised all four children on their farm in Alexandria on little Lake Charlie. Due to her tough childhood she was always grateful for the beautiful place to live with her husband Dennis and raise her children.
She worked as a nurse both at Douglas County Hospital and Knute Nelson Nursing Home. She always enjoyed working with the elderly. In 2004, she started a business venture on their property that was a coffee shop and gift barn called Clara's Place. She was dedicated to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. She had a strong belief that the best way to promote peace in the world was through personal spiritual evolution. She spent her days studying books on spiritual issues and world religions.
Karen and Dennis were married for 36 years. They enjoyed traveling together and spent time in Florida and North Carolina to be by family and spend time at the ocean. She loved the peace and solitude at the family cabin on Crow Wing. She was dedicated to her family and loved being a grandma. She is survived by her husband Dennis; daughter, Kim & husband, Dave and daughter, Tatum of Citra, Florida, daughter, Jamie & husband, Ryan and their two sons: Ian and Peter of Burlington, North Carolina, daughter, Jesse & husband Ian of Eugene, Oregon, son, Ben and girlfriend, Stacy of Moose Pass, Alaska; nine brothers & sisters, several other family and friends.
Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home. In lieu of Flowers Memorials are preferred to Hospice of Douglas County and the Douglas County Food Shelf. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net