Karen Louise Dokken Jellum

Karen Louise Dokken Jellum, 70, passed away from complications from Alzheimer's disease on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at Sweet Nursing Home in Chinook.

A celebration of life will be held in Chinook at the Lloyd Sweet Auditorium, Friday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m., under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook. Another service will be held in Glasgow at First Lutheran Church at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, with interment in Highland Cemetery.

Karen was born to Jorgen and Marion Dokken on Sept. 16, 1943, in Bremerton, Wash. She grew up on the family farm northeast of Glasgow, which was originally homesteaded by her grandfather, Nels Dokken, in 1908. Karen graduated from Glasgow High School in 1961 and went on to attend college at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. During the summers she attended Eastern Montana College and the University of Americas in Mexico City. Later, she transferred to Eastern Washington College where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

On July 2, 1966, she married Gale Jellum, the love of her life, and they recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary.

Karen taught school in Portland, Ore., and later in Weiser, Idaho. They later made their home in Chinook, after Gale purchased the Chinook Veterinary Clinic. Karen taught at the Eastside School until their two children were born. Later she also taught school in Zurich.

Karen and Gale took over the operation of Karen's family farm in Glasgow, where they lived during the farming season.

Karen established a library at the American Lutheran Church in Chinook. She was a member of a number of organizations, including Ikebana Japanese Flower Arranging Club, Glasgow Garden Club, the school board and the Milk River Genealogy Society. As a member of the Milk River Genealogy Society she co-edited the books, "Fire in the Wind," and "The Unyielding Prairie."

Karen is survived by her husband, Gale, of Chinook; and their two children, Kirk (Kristen) of Salt Lake City and Kimberly (Matthew) Garson of Bozeman, Mont., along with her two special grandsons, Lucas and Levi Garson. She is also survived by one sister, Marilyn (Richard) McCready of Mansfield, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents and younger brother, Gary.

Suggested memorials include Alzheimer's Association of Montana, Sweet Nursing Home or a charity of your choice.