Karen Wetzel

With her loving family by her side, Karen Wetzel, 62, passed away peacefully at a Minot hospital on August 25, 2026.

Karen Renay Larson was born on January 26, 1964, in Minot, North Dakota, to Marvin T. and Tensie “Kathy” (Burns) Larson. She was raised in the Minot area and received her education through Minot Public Schools.

Karen began her professional journey shortly after high school, entering the healthcare field at Minot Hospital and various clinics in the Minot area. Her natural gift for caring for others and her love of children eventually led her to open and operate an in-home daycare, where she spent many years nurturing and caring for children. She also worked for SureID before joining the Minot Public School system as a bus aide at the “bus barn.” It was a position she truly enjoyed, giving her another opportunity to be around children and make a difference in their lives.

Of all the roles Karen held throughout her life, being a mother and grandmother was the ones she treasured most. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest source of love, pride, and joy. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, loved watching them grow, and took immense pride in the people they became. She was deeply devoted to her family and would do anything for the people she loved.

On October 7, 2017, Karen married Al Wetzel, and together they made their home in Minot. Karen and Al shared many special times together, including warm summer days at Lake Sakakawea’s Douglas Bay.

Karen was a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan who loved cheering on her team and spending hot summer days on her deck soaking up the sun. She loved being surrounded by family and friends, sharing stories, laughing, and enjoying a good conversation. With her unmistakable “gift of gab,” Karen could turn a stranger into a friend and make nearly anyone feel welcome. She was generous with her time, quick to help others, and never hesitated to make a connection. Her greatest gift was the love she gave so freely, and that love will continue through the family and many lives she touched.

Karen will be remembered for her enormous heart, her infectious personality, her love of children, and most of all, the love she gave to her family. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will forever carry her love with them.

Karen’s loving family includes her husband, Alan Wetzel; children, Janell Gieser (Renee Brousseau), Brianna (Gabe) Strube, and Austin (Sydney) Burckhard; grandchildren, Cruz and Roman; mother, Kathy Larson; siblings, Wayne Larson, Keith (Patty) Larson, and Sharon Gange; brothers-in-law, Tracy (Natalie) Wetzel and Dave (Aud) Wetzel; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father, Marvin Larson; father- and mother-in-law, Emil and Albina Wetzel; and brother-in-law, Kelly Gange.

Visitation: Friday, September 11, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorial Service: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Minot.

In honor of Karen and her journey with esophageal cancer, the family invites those attending her celebration of life to wear purple or Minnesota Vikings attire, as purple is the awareness color for esophageal cancer and the Vikings were a team she loved.

Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the First Lutheran Church website: www.flcminot.com/view-worship