Karen Marie Forss, 78, of Kenyon, died Sunday, March 5, 2017 at her home. She was born September 18, 1938 in Sparta, Wisconsin the daughter of Vern and Dorothy (Fritsch) Fanning. She was raised in Sparta, WI and graduated from high school in 1956. Following her schooling, she went to work for the Department of the Navy in Washington, DC. She then attended business school in Minneapolis, where she met Elroy Forss. They were united in marriage on August 30, 1958 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Sparta. She worked for various companies for 25 years. She has resided in Kenyon since 1976. Karen suffered for many years from chronic lung disease. She wrote that her greatest reward in life was marriage and having a family and watching their children grow to adults. She loved her two grandchildren very much and they were her greatest joy in later life. In younger life she enjoyed skating, boating and camping with her family. Other interests later in life were gardening, reading, making crafts and fishing. She is survived by her husband, Elroy Forss of Kenyon; daughter, Elizabeth Forss of Goodhue; son, Matt (and Quynh) Forss of Thornton, CO; grandchildren, Madison Forss, Joshua Forss; brothers, Charles (and Kathy) Fanning, Dan (and Sam) Fanning both of Sparta, WI; sister-in-law, Bev Fanning of Rochester and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Doug Fanning. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home, Kenyon on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 5-8pm. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 1:30pm at St. Patrick's Catholic Church,319 West Main, Sparta, WI with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Sparta. Visitation: 03/10/2017 17:00 03/10/2017 20:00 Service: 03/11/2017 13:30