Brenda Karnes

Brenda M. Karnes, age 64, of Burtrum, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 17, 2015, surrounded by her family at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 24 at the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Taylor officiating. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Grey Eagle.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church in Grey Eagle.

Brenda Mae Karnes was born September 29, 1950 in Long Prairie, Minnesota to Glen and Joyce (Clear) Karnes. On June 14, 1968, she married Duane Christian Sr. in Sisseton, SD. After 20 years of marriage they divorced and Brenda married Louis Thompson II in July of 1989. They later divorced in 2011. She spent the last two years with her special friend Dave Muellner. Brenda worked at Fingerhut in Sauk Centre and had helped around the farm. She spent most of her time doing daycare for her grandchildren.

Brenda enjoyed gardening, being outside, playing with animals, and was an avid Elvis Presley fan. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, whom she was very proud of.

Survivors include her special friend, Dave Muellner of Burtrum; children, Duane "Chris" (Holly) Christian Jr. of Waite Park, Joyce (Brad) Jarvi of Sartell, Dan (Heather) Christian of Burtrum, Louis "LT." W. (Sharry) Thompson III of New Munich, and Jonathon (Ashley) Thompson of Burtrum; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Minor (Diane) Karnes of Marietta, GA, Glen Karnes of Blaine, Nancy (Ron) Fairbanks of Rochester, her twin, Brad (Linda) Karnes of Hill City, Joyce (Dean) Windingstad of Camby, and Glenda (Peter) Christiansen of Brainerd.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Joyce Karnes and Gene and Ginny Karnes; and daughter, Brenda Lee Christian.

Serving as casket bearers will be Brad Karnes Jr., Melbourne Fairbanks, Shawn Karnes, Eric Fairbanks, Karl Christiansen, Peter Murphy, and Joe Martin.