Karen R. Christensen, 74, of Aurora, SD passed away Sunday, September 4, 2022, at her home near Aurora. Karen was born January 1, 1948, at Hendricks, MN to Ervin and Avis (Smith) Janssen. She graduated from Elkton High School in 1966. Karen married Vernon "Swede" Christensen on June 25, 1966, at Hendricks. They lived in Lake Benton, MN and Lead, SD before returning to Elkton, SD. Karen had a day care in Elkton for several years. In 1994 she started working for Royal River Casino and she moved to Flandreau in 1995. She worked until January 1, 2009, at the casino and then worked for Inter-Lakes Community Action in Flandreau. Karen moved in with her son Dan in 2014. Karen was a member of First Baptist Church in Elkton. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Facebook, and making angel blankets.

Karen is survived by two sons, Daniel, Aurora, SD; Douglas, Brookings, SD; daughter Darci (Shawn) Ketcham, Baltic, SD; seven grandchildren, Bryan, Brandon (Jenny), Cody (special friend Shawna), Josh, Jarred, Alexis, Mackenzie (special friend AJ); 11 great-grandchildren, Natalie, Emilia, Madison, Reagan, Kennedy, Harper, Levi, Zoey, Zackary, Ella, Jayce; two siblings, Gail (Bob) Worth, and Bob Janssen, both of Lake Benton, MN. Karen was preceded by her daughter Debbie; two infant daughters, and an infant son.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am Friday, September 9, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Elkton. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a 7:00 pm prayer service at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau.