Karen Joy Lawson

life story

Karen Lawson

That is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and great. When it comes to one, it comes as naturally as sleep. (Willa Cather)

About Karen

Karen Lawson, 85, of Saint Paul, died September 28, 2026 following a long illness.

She was born on April 17, 1941, to Per and Blanche Grahnquist in Omaha, Nebraska.

Karen attended Gustavus Adolphus College, graduating in 1963 with a fine arts degree.

She married Robert Lawson on November 29, 1963 and they had three children, Kristina, Alissa and Joel. Throughout their 57 years of marriage, Karen and Bob enjoyed attending operas and concerts with their friends. She and her husband were also dedicated pet owners, adopting their beloved cats and dogs from rescues.

Before her retirement, Karen worked for many years as a graphic artist for Northwestern Bell as it transitioned into US West, drawing ads for the Yellow Pages first by hand and then using a computer.

She was an avid collector of antiques and also enjoyed crafting: embroidery, knitting, and cross stitch, as well as sewing clothes or household textile projects. She enjoyed reading mysteries as well as "pioneer books" from writers like Mari Sandoz and Willa Cather. She insisted on doing the crossword puzzle every day.

Karen’s art remained important to her, and she celebrated every instance of her children’s and grandchildren’s creativity. She continued to draw and sketch until the end of her life.

Karen is survived by her children Kristina, Alissa and Joel (Sarah), grandchildren Iona and Sabina, brother Gary (Sandy) and sister Judith, along with many dear friends in Omaha and the Twin Cities.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert and her parents Per and Blanche.

A celebration of life will be held later at Christ on Capitol Hill Lutheran Church in Saint Paul. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

Memorials may be made to Minneapolis Animal Care & Control or Animal Humane Society.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

November 21, 2026

Christ Lutheran Church (ELCA) 105 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55103, USA

A celebration of life will be held at Christ on Capitol Hill Lutheran Church in Saint Paul, MN.

Interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services