Karen Ann (Bowers) Luoma — Backus

Karen Ann (Bowers) Luoma, 71, of Backus, passed away Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, peacefully after a lengthy illness, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Brainerd, surrounded by her husband and three children.

Karen was born to Alice and Archie Bowers on Jan. 18, 1942, in Bemidji. She graduated from Bemidji High School and later earned a degree in marketing from Pike's Peak Community College in Colorado Springs, Colo.Karen married Richard Luoma on July 1, 1961, in Bemidji. They raised their family in rural Chatfield, and spent later years living in Colorado, New Mexico and most recently northern Minnesota.

Karen loved farm life, gardening, cooking for family gatherings, taking motorcycle vacations with her husband and found great fulfillment in working at Camp Courage in Lake George.

Karen is survived by her husband; daughter, Tanna (Randy) Trogstad; sons, Eric (Sandy) and Jim (Tammy) Luoma; her grandchildren, Ryan, Allison, Alec, Adam, Sophie, Josh and Michael; her sister-in-law, Pat Ellenson; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Mary and her brothers, John, Jim and Mike.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield. A brief memorial service to celebrate the life of Karen will follow the visitation at 1 p.m.

Memorials will be donated to Camp Courage, Lake George.

Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is is assisting the family with arrangements. 507-867-4310. rileyfuneralhomes.com .