Karen Lee Berg

Karen Berg, 58, of Grand Forks, ND. Formerly of Minto and McVille, ND, died August 18, 2011 at her brother's home in Forest River, ND. She fought a courageous battle with grace and dignity, and she was surrounded by loved ones. Karen was born in Grafton, ND on June 24, 1953, the daughter of Ray and Georgene (Schiller) Kowalski. She graduated from Minto High School in 1971, and attended Aakers Business College in the early winter of 1973. She married Noel J. Schanilec on Dec. 29, 1973, and they made their home in Minto. They were divorced in 1983. She worked as a nurses aide at Lutheran Sunset Home , Grafton before marrying Frayne Berg on August 16, 1985 and moving to his farm in McVille. She lived in McVille for 20 years. She worked as a Certified Nurses Aide for Home Care, Hospice, McVille Hospital and Cooperstown Hospital until her move to Grand Forks in July 2005. She was then employed by Valley Memorial Homes as a CNA at Wheatland Terrace Assisted Living and then Tufte Manor Assisted Living. She loved the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of her patients, and saw the value of each person she tended with her loving gentleness and kindness. She had a way of making everyone feel special and valued. Karen was a grateful member of Al-Anon for 23 years. She liked reading, cross-country skiing, going for walks and sharing a cup of cappuccino. She was a member of Curves. Karen was a great blessing to many people. She had courage and strength, and her positive attitude was an inspiration to her family and treasured friends. Karens greatest love was for her children and grandchildren. She once said that one of the greatest things she ever heard was the first time she was called "grandma." She shared a special relationship with her granddaughters, and spent any chance given spending time with them. She especially loved their "sleep-overs". She is survived by her children: Noel (Kim) Schanilec, of Grand Forks, Heather (Phil) Rogus of Stephen, Mn, and Ivan Berg of Grand Forks; 3 grandaughters, Grayce, Emma and Taylin. Brothers: Randy (Peggy) Kowalski of Minto, ND and Kelly (Lisa) Kowalski of Forest River,ND. Mother : Georgene Robinson (Companion, Joe) of Marion, ND; Uncles, Aunts, Nephews and Nieces. She was preceded in death by her father and her sister Gail (Leon) Wysocki.