Karen Shaffner

Mesa, Ariz.

Karen Ilene (Gjerde) Shaffner passed away peacefully Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona. She was born Nov. 29, 1944, and raised in rural Minot and graduated from Minot High and Minot State Teachers College.

Karen taught many students at McKinley Elementary School in Minot and was a strong supporter of early childhood literacy. She also spent many hours cheering her kids on in hockey arenas, band auditoriums, and school gymnasiums. Her family will remember her singing around the campfire, chatting with people, not being afraid to say what was on her mind, and caring about social justice and women’s rights.

She is currently playing Yatzee in heaven with her mother, Bertha Tangen; her father, Ingvald Gjerde; her sister, Donna Stevick; and brother in law, Vern Stevick. She is held tight in memory and heart by her husband, Larry Shaffner; her daughter Lisa Sohn (Kris); daughter Michelle Shaffner (Stephen Geffre); son Chris Shaffner (Cindy); grandkids Abagail Geffre (Matt Kelley), Levi (Alex) Shafranski, Cupid Geffre, Fern Shaffner, Thomas Geffre, and Ilene Shaffner. Also by nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends in Mesa, Arizona.

Immediate family will honor her memory this summer along the shores of Lake Superior. There will be a gathering for family and friends this summer in Minneapolis.

Her full obituary can be found at Dignity Memorial online. Memorials and well wishes can be sent c/o Larry Shaffner to 13640 Harwell Path, Apple Valley, MN, 55417.

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 25, 2025.