Karen A. Knaus Pickett

To watch a recording of the Friday night prayer service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/IngFXh7mFnw 
To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/XooWABATyfc 

Karen A. Knaus Pickett, 56, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. 

A home touched, built, and nurtured by Karen Ann could withstand any fierce storm. With every piece of herself she built her home, pouring her love into every corner. With every step she took, sheet she washed, flower she grew, pillow she fluffed, bruised knee she bandaged, and dish she scrubbed, she created a warm, inviting home. A home that nurtured her two boys Maxwell (24) and Samuel (23), and all that passed through its doors. Karen spent her life surrounded by love and devoted to family, never far from her boys. Karen A. Knaus Pickett passed away on October 29, 2023, at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 56 years old.

Karen was born on April 18, 1967, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Eugenia Miller and George Knaus. Karen was welcomed into a close-knit family, joining her older sister, Marie, and older brother, Kevin. Later, the family expanded with the arrival of her younger brother, Kelly, and her youngest sister, Lori.

Karen's unwavering love for nature filled her days with cherished moments in her backyard surrounded by the serenity of her pond, vibrant overflowing flowers, and laying in the light of the sun with her beloved dogs. Conversations with friends and family, with a dark beer or glass of wine in hand, could last for hours. She could always be found welcoming tiny visitors, such as hummingbirds, cardinals, dragonflies, and squirrels feasting on the apple tree in the fall. Her joy knew no bounds when the cardinals visited her yard, symbolizing the presence of her parents.

Her doors perpetually swung open to invite guests, year round, rain or shine. She’d fill them to the brim with a bounty of food and drink. Her culinary talents were nothing short of remarkable. Five to six pots going all at once, chopping and boiling over with her love. Her table was always laid with plentiful dishes - each different food in its own perfect crystal dish. Ever a gracious host, she entertained not only birthdays and holidays but every weeknight after school and work, Sunday dinners, even cast parties for Maxwell’s shows; fifty-plus scavenging high schoolers were all well fed. The table always had extra chairs pulled up for her siblings, family friends, coworkers, and the boys’ friends who, of course, she insisted, would be staying for dinner.  

Karen's roots were deeply intertwined with her community in Grand Forks. After spending her boys’ younger years at Maple Lake in Mentor, MN, she returned to Grand Forks. Karen's educational journey led her through Central High School and the University of North Dakota, where she earned her bachelor's degree. Her professional journeys included employment at The Royal Fork, Altru Health System, and Northwestern Mental Health Center (Alluma). Her commitment to taking care of others was evident in her role as the Food Service Director for the East Grand Forks Public Schools, where she dedicated over fifteen years to nourishing thousands of students.

Karen's legacy lies in the countless lives she touched. Her love, genuine compassion, and enduring kindness will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew her. Karen's presence radiated an aura of warmth and radiance. She was a single mother who, despite her challenges, remained unwavering in her support for her sons until the very end. Every friend of her boys was embraced as one of her own. Her kindness was limitless, embodied by her perpetual smile, bright eyes, and unwavering grace.

Treasured memories included visits to Wisconsin to be with family, vacations to Disney World with the Amundson Family, and travels to New York to witness her boys perform at Carnegie Hall. Art and music held a special place in her heart. She took immense joy in witnessing her boys pursue their passions, from listening to Max play on their grand piano to watching Sam on the hockey rink. Mermaids were a particular fascination of hers, symbolizing her affinity for their beautiful figures yet enchanting and mystical-ness.

At just a little over five feet tall, Karen was the embodiment of greatness coming in all sizes—small in stature but mighty and strong in spirit.

Karen is survived by her two sons, Max (Seth), and Sam; and her four siblings Marie (Dennis) Schultz, Kevin Knaus, Kelly Knaus, Lori (Allan) Wimpfheimer. Karen is preceded in death by her parents, George and Eugenia Knaus;  and her beloved dogs Moose and Oso.

Karen's life was a beacon of light and love, and her memory will forever be a blessing in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023 in St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks. 

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service on Friday, November 10, 2023 in Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks.  Interment will be in Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks.