Karen Kay Reyes, the daughter of Manuel and Mercedes Ann (Emerson) Reyes, was born on February 2, 1952 in St. Paul, MN.  She grew up in the Minneapolis, MN area and attended school.  As a young woman, Karen was united in marriage and was blessed with five children.  While raising her children, Karen worked for several years at Secondary Solutions in Edina MN.  Later, Karen moved her family back to the White Earth Reservation.   In 1993, Karen met the love her life, Dave Wilson, whom she shared her life with.  They made their home in Mahnomen and Karen and Dave were united in marriage in 2013.  Dave passed away on November 6, 2014 with Karen by his side.  Karen was employed for many years at the Shooting Star Casino. She started working at the Shooting Star in January of 2001 and recently retired due to failing health.

Karen loved music, especially the oldies and 80's rock.  She loved to dance and did so whenever the mood struck her, be it with the band or simply with her kids in the dining room.   She also enjoyed working on puzzles and reading detective stories.  She cherished her family and worried too often about their safety. She wore her emotions on her sleeve and loved ones knew if she was upset, or happy, she laughed from deep within her soul.   She will be greatly missed.

Karen is survived by two sons, Darrell Reyes and Daniel (Linda) Wadena; three daughters: Amy (Mike) Reyes, Josie (Robert) Reyes, and Debra Reyes; her three brothers: Thomas Reyes, Orrin (Mona) Reyes, and Mark (Jennie) Reyes; two sisters, Alvera Reyes and Anita Reyes; 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren; and special extended family, Darwin Bigbear Sr.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Dave; her parents; sister, Adella Jones, brother, David Reyes; two grandsons, Jerelle and Antonio and her nephew, Brent.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.