Karen Faye Simonsen

Karen Faye Simonsen, 85, of Chester, South Dakota, passed away on September 8, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Home (under hospice care). She was born on April 11, 1941, in Wentworth, South Dakota, to Harold and Anna Jansen.

Karen spent 65 years living outside of Chester with her husband, Donald (Doni) Simonsen, where they made their home and raised their family. Karen was a mother and farmer’s wife who spent her life raising her five children and helping out around the farm wherever needed. Her children were Dawn (Terry) Farr, Douglas (Jodi) Simonsen, David (Laura) Simonsen, Debra (Scott) Stoeckman, and Dyan (Kevin) Nelson. Over the years, her family grew to include 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Karen is survived by her five children, 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; brother Keith (Karen) Jansen, and sister Carol (Lowell) Bishop. 

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Simonsen; her parents, Harold and Anna Jansen; and her sister, Shirley Mriden. A private family burial will be held at a later date.