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Karen Elaine (Hofer) Balsbaugh, 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on March 17, 1939, in Menno, South Dakota, Karen spent most of her adult life in Fargo, North Dakota, where she raised her family and built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and service to others.

Karen was born to John and Emma Hofer and grew up in a Christian home where faith became an important part of her life. Her parents came from Mennonite backgrounds, and Karen attended church, Sunday school, vacation Bible school, and church camp. She grew up alongside her younger brother, Douglas, with whom she shared many fond childhood memories. Karen accepted Christ at the age of 12, and one of the Bible verses that remained especially meaningful to her throughout her life was Psalm 119:11: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

Karen moved to Brookings, South Dakota, in the eighth grade. She participated in choir, Methodist Youth Fellowship, and 4-H and developed friendships that remained important throughout her life. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from South Dakota State University in 1961. She later earned a master's degree in Home Economics Education from South Dakota State University and Colorado State University.

Karen began her teaching career at Beresford High School in Beresford, South Dakota, where she taught for four years. She later taught at Worthington Junior High School in Worthington, Minnesota, and completed her final year of teaching in Volga, South Dakota. During these years, she continued her education, sang in church choirs, and taught adult clothing classes.

One of Karen's favorite adventures was a ten-week trip through Europe with her high school friend Liz Evenson Williams. Traveling with a Eurail pass and the guidebook Europe on $5 a Day, the two visited friends, attended Wagner operas, and created memories Karen treasured throughout her life.

Karen met the love of her life, Edward "Ed" Balsbaugh, during the summer of 1967. Their first date was a showing of the movie Hawaii in Sioux Falls. Karen later recalled that it was love at first sight—and was delighted when Ed called her again. They were married on July 7, 1968, at the United Methodist Church in Brookings. Their three-week honeymoon in Alaska became another treasured adventure.

Karen and Ed welcomed their daughter, Julie Ann, in 1969 and their son, Daniel Edward, in 1971. Karen considered her children among the greatest blessings of her life and was grateful for the opportunity to stay home with them while they were young.

The family moved to Fargo, North Dakota, in June 1976, a decision they had prayed about and believed would provide an excellent opportunity for Ed's career and for their children's education. Karen and her family became deeply involved at Faith United Methodist Church. Over the years, Karen taught preschool Sunday school, participated in Bible Study Fellowship, MOPS, Alpha, and other church activities, and found many opportunities to serve others and grow in her faith.

In December 1978, Karen became a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. She appreciated the flexibility of working from home while raising her family and went on to become a successful Mary Kay Sales Director. She enjoyed mentoring and encouraging other women as they built their own businesses and remained active with Mary Kay until retiring at the age of 80 after more than four decades of inspiring, mentoring, and encouraging others.

Karen also enjoyed golf, church activities, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Whether on the golf course, at church, or gathered with loved ones, she cherished the friendships she made throughout her life.

Karen's beloved husband, Ed, died from cancer on May 21, 1991. Although his death brought tremendous loss, Karen moved forward with strength, faith, and the support of her family and friends. She took great joy in seeing her children build lives and families of their own. Julie married David Harstad on August 18, 1995, and Daniel married Laura Hornung on March 29, 2003. Karen took great joy in watching her family grow. She was blessed with six grandchildren and one great-grandson, each of whom brought her immeasurable pride, love, and happiness.

Karen lived in her Fargo home until July 29, 2024, when she moved to Fair Meadow Assisted Living in Fertile, Minnesota. As her care needs increased, she later moved to Fair Meadow Nursing Home, where she remained until her passing on July 23, 2026.

Throughout her life, Karen's faith was her foundation. Through her involvement in church, Bible Study Fellowship, and personal study of Scripture, she grew ever closer to the Lord and found great joy in serving Him. She lived her life with kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith, leaving a legacy of love for her family, her friends, and all whose lives she touched.

As Karen once wrote, "I have become much closer to the Lord and want to serve Him the best I can. I am looking forward to spending eternity with Jesus."

Karen is survived by her daughter, Julie (David) Harstad of Fertile, Minnesota; her son, Daniel (Laura) Balsbaugh of Sussex, Wisconsin; her grandchildren, Noah (Katie) Harstad of Oak Park, Illinois; Lauren (Alex) Fuchs of Fargo, North Dakota; Jonah Harstad and Olivia Harstad, both of Fertile, Minnesota; Leah Balsbaugh of Dubuque, Iowa; and Audrey Balsbaugh of Sussex, Wisconsin; her great-grandson, Joey Fuchs of Fargo, North Dakota; her brother, Douglas Hofer of Sunnyvale, California; and her sisters-in-law, Pat Balsbaugh of Long Valley, New Jersey, and Pat (Tom) Burrows of Hiawassee, Georgia.

Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Balsbaugh (1991); her parents, John and Emma Hofer; her parents-in-law, Edward and Margaret Balsbaugh; her brothers-in-law, Tom Balsbaugh and Jim Balsbaugh; and her nephews, David Balsbaugh and Paul Balsbaugh.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Faaberg Lutheran Church in Rindal, Minnesota. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m., with a lunch and time of fellowship immediately afterward. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo, North Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to Faith United Methodist Church in Fargo, North Dakota; KFNW Christian Radio in Fargo, North Dakota; or the Fair Meadow Foundation in Fertile, Minnesota, in appreciation for the compassionate care Karen received during her final years. For those wishing to support the Fair Meadow Foundation, donations may be made through Venmo at @FairMeadowFoundation.