Karen J. Knorr

Celebration of Life: Karen Joy Knorr - April 21, 1953 – September 8, 2025

September 8, 2025, Karen left this earth to be with her Heavenly Father and her parents Raymond and Shirley Hoffner. Even in her death, Karen radiated a beauty all of us felt in her presence. She is forever loved and will forever be in our hearts.

Karen was raised in Esmond, ND and was the second oldest of four other siblings. Her parents, Raymond and Shirley Hoffner instilled in Karen a hard work ethic on the farm, which she passed down to her family and demonstrated throughout her life. Karen and her siblings, Dicky, Michelle, Beth, and Darren built a connection that few families are blessed to have, and for which has been passed down through the family. She was a caregiver for those around her and despite the ups and downs in life, she was the strongest woman of faith for all of those who surrounded her.

Karen started her degree in nursing at NDSU and chose to focus on raising her three children, Raymond, Rachael, and John and instead, worked in the medical field for more than 30 years. While working through the progression from St. Lukes to Sanford, everyone knew Karen, and she knew everyone. She prayed with her colleagues, and she was the light for everyone around her. In retirement during the summer months for the past 5 years, Karen worked with her daughter, Rachael, where she was known as “Mom” to the team and customers.

February 15, 1986, Karen married her husband and best friend, Rod Knorr. She spent the next 39 years by his side being cherished as the Queen she was. She had her home at Cormorant Lake in Lake Park, MN along with a home in Mesa, AZ, where her and Rod spent their winters. Karen spent her life surrounded by family and friends and her schedule was so filled with events that you had to pre-book an appointment to be with her! Karen loved life and exemplified living and the joy of the Lord in everything she did. She enjoyed flowers, taking leisurely boat rides, and entertaining her family and friends. Karen’s love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was unmatched, and they felt the same way about their Grandma. “Our beautiful Grandma was the heart of our family. She was a ray of light whose faith, selflessness, positivity, compassion, and tireless devotion to God, family, and friends will forever inspire us.”

Most importantly, Karen had a love for the Lord and served Him. Attending church at Vineyard was always a highlight of her week. Singing songs of praise and worship on to the Lord brought her peace and joy. If there is one thing Karen would want all of us to remember is her faith and love for the Lord. She served Him with all her heart and soul and left a legacy of hope for all of us. Her most earnest prayers were for family to come together and for those who don’t know the Lord to develop that relationship. At this time, let her legacy inspire all of you to evaluate your faith in the Lord, walk boldly in His presence, forgive those whom you need to forgive, and seek eternal life with the Lord. Let that be the legacy of Karen Joy Knorr that will forever live in our lives on this earth until we meet her one day in Heaven.

In lieu of gifts – To honor Karen, the family would like any donations be made to Lakes Area Vineyard – made out to Karen Knorr Memorial.

Karen’s Surviving Family:

Husband: Rod Knorr, Cormorant Lake, Lake Park, MN

Children: Raymond Reading (Lynn) Detroit Lakes, MN, Rachael Boyer (Jeff) Moorhead, MN, John Reading (Angela) Detroit Lakes, MN, Rob Knorr (Becca) Hawley MN, Julie Knorr, Fargo, ND, Andrew Knorr, Kentucky, Timothy Knorr, Alabama, Tom Knorr (Tami) Boise, Idaho, Mike Knorr (Krista), Moorhead, MN

Siblings: Richard Hoffner (Colleen) Sheyenne, ND, Beth Asijie, Mesa, AZ, Michelle McLaurin (Jesse) Queen Creek, AZ, Darren (Sherri) Mesa, AZ

Grandchildren: Carlie, Haley, Anthony, Caleb, Alyssa, Kaylee, Brianna, Thomas, Christopher Jacob, Noah, Jasmine, Ashley, Jason, Hazel, Joslyn, Emma, Britta, Jakob, Gunnar, Halle

Great Grandchildren: Aidyn, Jensen, Blare, Aspen, Jeremy, Zoey, Jack, Ezra, Violet

Several nieces and nephews

Preceded in Death: Parents – Raymond and Shirley Hoffner

Visitation will be Friday, September 19, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.

Funeral service will be Saturday, September 20, at 11:00 AM, at Lakes Area Vineyard Church, Detroit Lakes, MN.

Interment will be at Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND.