Karen Joy Ertmann

The service will be livestreamed below at 2:00 pm, May 16, 2026.

Karen Joy (Strand) Ertmann was an incredible woman, a devoted and inspirational mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a cherished friend to many. She passed away while in the Sanford Hospice Home, Fargo, ND, where she found great comfort in the compassionate care provided by the staff and volunteers. Karen was truly blessed with the gift of time to be surrounded by family and lifelong friends who meant so much to her. Their presence brought her peace and comfort until her final days.

Karen was born on August 8, 1943, in Brocket, North Dakota, to Pearl and Howard Strand, and was the first in her family to be born in a hospital. She attended school at Newbre and graduated from Brocket High School in 1962 before continuing her studies at the New York Hairdressing Academy in Fargo. From an early age she showed determination and pride in all she did. In her younger years, she was actively involved in 4-H, where she proudly showed champion pigs-an early sign of her strong work ethic and dedication.

Karen married Vic Ertmann on June 14, 1964, in Lawton, ND. Following their marriage, they made their home in Edmore, ND, before settling in Kindred, ND in 1970. Together, they raised two daughters, Michelle and Lisa. Karen was deeply devoted to her family. She rarely missed a school event, sporting activity, or special moments for her children and grandchildren whenever possible, and she especially adored her great-grandsons.

A true entrepreneur, Karen owned and operated beauty shops in both Edmore and Kindred, ND. Later, she and her husband owned T’s Pizza & Ice Cream Shoppe in Hawley, MN. It was at the restaurant where they left a lasting impact on their employees and customers alike. Many former employees remained in contact over the years, sharing how much she and her husband had positively influenced their lives. Karen greeted everyone with a warm smile and made each customer feel welcome and at home. During retirement, she enjoyed working at Walmart in Dilworth, MN, where she formed many meaningful friendships.

Karen was an active member of Hawley Lutheran Church, Hawley, MN, where she participated in the Befrienders group. She also volunteered with Reach in Hawley and was deeply involved with the Hawley Senior Center. Karen and her husband were honored for their dedication and service to the community by receiving the Clay County Outstanding Senior Citizens Certificate of Appreciation.

Karen is survived by her daughters, Michelle (Dan) Loftus of Prior Lake, MN, Lisa (Paul) Wixo of Horace, ND; her sisters-in-law, Gen Strand and Karla Ertmann; her grandchildren, Brandon (Savanna) Wixo, Benjamin (Madalyn) Larson, Reid Larson, Brooke (Hayden) Wixo, Andrea (Thomas) Stanton and Jonathon Loftus; her five great-grandsons; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death and is now reunited in heaven with her husband; her parents; sister Phyllis Freije, brother Howard Strand, brothers-in-law Shabel Freije, Gary Ertmann, David Ertmann, Charles Ertmann, Jerry Wallander, sister-in-law Marjorie Wallander, and son-in-law David Larson.

Karen made a positive impact on everyone she met, and she will truly be missed. She was surrounded by family and friends, with many friends becoming family – even in those final months.