Karin Senstad

Karin Elizabeth Senstad was born on August 6th, 1960, in St. Paul, Minnesota, at the Miller’s Hospital to Russell and Janice Johnson. She lived with her parents and siblings Susan, Ann, and Gregg at their home in Mendota Heights. As a child, she was active in dance and choir, and learned to play the saxophone. She was a favorite babysitter due to her enthusiasm and love of children. She also attended and participated at her home church, Augustana Lutheran Church.

Eventually, the Johnson family moved to West St. Paul, and Karin attended Sibley High School, where she developed a lifelong love of marching band. Even after her marching band days were done, she loved attending parades and rarely missed the Vikingland Band Festival in Alexandria.

Upon graduation from Sibley, she attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where she received a degree for Elementary Education. She loved being a Cobber and the Outreach Ministry program at Concordia.

After graduation, Karin was hired by District 206 to teach third grade at Washington school in Alexandria. When Voyager Elementary opened, she transferred there and taught third and fourth grade until her retirement.

Karin’s love of children wasn’t limited to her students. On June 26, 1993, she was married to Allen Senstad. The couple had two children, Marissa and Matthew. Karin was active in her childrens’ activities, despite the demands of teaching full time. She instilled her love of learning and of life in general in her family as a caring wife and loving mother. She and her children were also active members and volunteers at First Lutheran Church.

Unfortunately, Karin developed a rare form of cancer, neuroendocrine tumors. She fought for her life for 22 years with this disease. On February 11, 2020, the battle finally ended. Karin is survived by her husband Allen, daughter Marissa, son Matthew, parents Russell and Janice Johnson, sister Susan (Noel) Mehus, nieces Lauren (Hans) Thurmer, Sarah (Londe) Richardson, Kate Schletty (Nik Barkve) and brother Gregg (Lynn) Johnson and nephews Tyler and Cole Johnson. Her family was able to see Karin and express their love and sorrow to her as she passed from this world. She goes to heaven to be reunited with her sister Ann Johnson who predeceased her.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 17, 2020, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a Memorial Service at 11;00 a.m. A lunch and time of sharing will follow the service at church.