Obituary, Karen Margaret Johnson, 83

Karen Margaret Johnson, 83, passed away April 15, 2013 at Wrangell Medical Center.

Karen Margaret Skulstad was born on January 31, 1930 on the island of Unga, Alaska to Dora and Thorvaid. She joined her brother Thorvaid and later came sister Fern and then brother Kenneth. They lived on a dairy/fox farm on Simeonof Island near Unga. Thorvaid was also a fisherman. She often spoke of her interesting childhood on the island.

Her father passed away a month before WWII broke out, and all were relocated away from the islands. Dora and her four children had to vacate their home with only the possessions they could carry to Anchorage. They were never to return to their home or retrieve any of their other belongings left behind.

They relocated to Wrangell when Karen was 12 years old. Dora met and married E.W. Davey. E.W. had two children of his own and together they had twins, Lois Powell and Bernice Helton, to add to their combined families.

Karen met Ned Johnson and they shared a happy married life for over 60 years before his passing in 2010. Karen and Ned had four children, Lorraine, Diane, Harley and LaVonne. She provided a wonderful upbringing to her children.

After raising her children as a stay-at-home mom, she opted for a career and chose to be with kids again, working at Evergreen Elementary School as a teacher’s aide for over 20 years.

She found joy in gardening, watching QVC and attending Bingo every week. She was always with Ned, who she loved so. You could see Ned in the van always waiting outside the stores, oh so patiently, for Karen to finish shopping. After Ned’s passing in 2010, Karen was lost and filled with sadness.

Brother Thorvaid preceded her in death.

She leaves behind sisters Lois (Chet) Powell, Berniece (Larry) Helton, Fern Storey, Margaret Wilke and brothers Kenneth Skulstad and Richard Davey. Other survivors are: Lorraine Allen, Diane Ritchie, Harley (Lana) Johnson and LaVonne Garvey; grandchildren: Shawna, Cara, Jerrin, Nedia, Edward, Wes, Dustin, Amanda, Kolt, Lexi and Brett; great grandchildren: Avery, Dora, Max, Hank, Ellee, Hunter, Bruce, Shaleen, Ashtyn, Maddison, Brennan, Connor, Cedric, Arthur, Brynn, Kasin, Jr., Mackenzie, Ricky, Chase, Roma, Felix; newly born great-great granddaughter Tegan Lynn; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.