Karen A. Vossler, Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026 at Bella Vista Home at the age of 101 years old.
She was born on January 27,1925 in Van Hook, ND, the daughter of Peter and Charlotte Eide. She grew up on a farm with her 2 sisters, Swanhild and Christine, and brother Carl, all of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Van Hook and helped during WWII by working at a factory in Utah with her sister Christine for a period of time. She attended college in Fargo and met the love of her life, Leo Vossler, of Wishek. Karen then went to Minot State Teachers College where she earned her teaching certificate and accepted a teaching position in Devils Lake for 2 years. Leo would travel from Fargo to see her and after he graduated they were married June 26,1949. Karen would teach another 2 years in Michigan, ND where they lived for 9 years before moving to Parshall, ND. Karen started working for the US Post Office part time as she raised children and then accepted a full time position after a few years. In 1976, they moved to Bismarck where she continued working for the Post Office in Mandan, ND. She retired after 25 years of service and their winters were spent in the Viewpoint community in Mesa, AZ before moving permanently to Crescent Run in Mesa. In 2015, she moved to Bella Vista.
During her life, Karen was active in Sons of Norway, her church Circle, and Homemakers Club. Hobbies included quilting, scrapbooking, cross stitching, bridge, mahjong, and card games. She was funny, enjoyed a great laugh or a giggle with her friends, and took great pleasure in socializing with friends.
Karen loved traveling with her family and took trips to Norway, Europe, Canada, Alaska, and Hawaii. Just being with family was a blessing to her and she was very much loved in return.
She is preceded in death by Leo, her husband of 57 years and survived by her 4 children; Brent (Glenda) of Fort Collins, CO, Naomi Rodriquez (Dan) of Tempe, AZ, Kevin (Ellen) of West Salem, WI, and Carla of Eloy, AZ; 6 grandchildren Tricia, Beth, Rebecca, Christopher, Kara and Gavin; and 12 great-grandchildren – Aidan, Collin, Morgan, Ava, Keaton, Leo, Claire, Paige, Stephen, Braylen, Kennedy and Camden. All will miss her greatly.
Memorials can be sent to Noah’s Ark Preschool/Kindergarten, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2745 N 32nd St, Mesa, AZ 85213
Plans for a Celebration of Life will be held this fall, October 31, 11:00 am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ.
Karen’s obituary is also on Bismarck Tribune’s website
Celebrating 75 years of serving our community