Karen A. Stiller

A Memorial Service for Karen Stiller of Hazen, North Dakota will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan. Interment will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery in Mandan.  

Karen, who had a rich and vibrant life filled with music and love for her family, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society in Mandan.

Karen was born Zerena Loy Karin Simonson on April 23, 1940, to parents Henry and Mary Simonson in Hamberg, North Dakota. After her birth mother passed away, she was adopted by her parents, Carl and Alma (Bjertness) Anderson and renamed Karen Alma Anderson.

Growing up on the family farm, Karen was immersed in a musical environment and developed a passion for playing the organ, piano, and accordion. She showcased her talent by playing in an accordion band and later in a country band. In 1958, she married James Engebretson, with whom she raised three children, Laurel, Curt, and Carla, on the family farm. Following her divorce in 1973, Karen embarked on a successful career as a city auditor in Maddock, ND, before moving to Hazen in 1979 to continue her work.

In 1981, Karen married Randolph Stiller and together they made their home in Hazen, splitting their time between a house in town and a lake home near Pick City.  In addition to fishing with Randy while at their cabin, the couple enjoyed trips to Jamaica and other destinations with family friends. Karen, a dedicated mother and grandmother, retired in 1997 to support her son Curt's business endeavors. She was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing cartoon characters and had a deep love for animals, often rescuing and caring for them on her property.

Despite her battle with cancer in the last two years of her life, Karen remained strong and courageous, never faltering in her positivity and compassion towards others. Her selflessness and generosity touched the lives of many, and her family and friends will dearly miss her warm presence and unwavering love.

Karen will be forever cherished and remembered for the love and light she brought into the lives of those around her.

She is survived by her husband, Randy Stiller; two children, Laurel (Steve) Rohrer and Curtis (Lisa) Engebretson; son-in-law, Ross Pfeifer; grandchildren, Amy (Ryan) Gilleland, Heather Cook, Garret Engebretson, Preston Camp and Alex Valley; 4 great-grandchildren (with 1 on the way); 5 great-great-grandchildren; and birth brother, Darold Simonson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Anderson; daughter, Carla Pfeifer; son-in-law, Jim Camp; four birth siblings, Penny Stricevich, Rodney Simonson, Mylo Simonson, and Jerry Simonson; and one nephew, Brian Anderson.