Karen was born on February 01, 1951 in Grafton North Dakota to Edward and Isabel Korynta. Karen attended Park River Elementary School, Walsh County Agricultural School and Aaker’s Business College in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Karen met her husband Bert in 1970, they were married in December and moved West. For Karen this was a big move, it was scary and exciting as she lived all of her life in the Midwest. Bert grew up in California so he liked the idea of moving “out west”, and getting away from the cold North Dakota winters.

Karen worked for United Engineers and Constructor’s at the Hanford Site #1, Richland, WA until her lay-off in 1988. That fall she was hired by Lamb Weston in Kennewick, Washington. Karen took pride in her work and very much enjoyed all the people she met and worked with over the years. They became her second family.

Karen leaves behind her daughter Brenda; two grandson’s Jordin and Dakota; four sisters Madonna Sperling, Lucille Berdahl, Adrienne Moe, and Julenne (Keith) Anderson; two brothers Duane (Judy) Korynta,Keith Korynta and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bert Nelson, daughter Lisa M. Nelson, Father, Mother, sister Roseann, and brother Michael.

We would like to thank all of Karen’s doctors, friends and family for all their care, support and love. In lieu of flowers we ask that you send a donation in Karen’s name to Kadlec Hematology and Oncology Cancer Center in Kennewick, WA.