Karen Becker

Funeral Mass for Karen Becker, 41, of New Salem, ND will be 10:30 a.m. CDT, Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at St. Pius V Catholic Church, New Salem, ND, with Father Amalraj Roche celebrating. Burial will follow at St Pius Cemetery, New Salem. Visitation will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. CDT, Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at St Pius V Catholic Church, New Salem, with Rosary and Vigil service taking place at 7:00 p. m. CDT.


Karen passed away Saturday, April 2, 2011 surrounded by her family at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, ND after a brief battle with cancer.


Karen Diane Becker was born December 12, 1969 to Keith and Diane (Heid) Norton, in Bismarck, ND. She grew up on the family farm near New Salem. Karen attended school in town and graduated from New Salem High School in 1988. She earned her associates degree at Bismarck State College. During this time she met the love of her life, Darcy Becker. On August 31, 1991, Karen and Darcy were united in marriage, and so began their lives together. The couple made their home in Bismarck at which time Karen worked for Aetna US Healthcare. Karen realized a life long dream in 1994 as she and Darcy moved back to New Salem to raise their family, Ashley, Jennifer, Logan, and Levi, on the farm her grandparents homesteaded on many years before. In 1998, Karen began working in the office at New Salem High School, fulfilling her senior prophecy of one day occupying that position. She was proud to make her home on the farm near New Salem for the remainder of her life. Karen always made everyone feel welcome at her home; no one was a stranger for long. She was known as the calming hand and great organizer for her family and friends. Her faith was very important to her. When she was first diagnosed with cancer, Karen prayed that she could have maybe 10 more years to enjoy with her children. In the end it was her selfless and loving spirit that shown through during the difficult times, even to the end her concern was for everyone else but her self. Karen’s greatest accomplishment and enjoyment of her life was her family.


Karen will be deeply missed by her husband, Darcy; children, Ashley, Jennifer, Logan and Levi, all of New Salem, ND; parents, Keith and Diane Norton, New Salem, ND; sister, Julie (Jeff) Vyska, children Brian and Alex, all of Bismarck, ND; grandmother, Louise Norton, New Salem, ND; mother and father-in-law, John and Delores Becker, Napoleon, ND; brothers and sisters-in-law, Diane (Bruce) Weber, Bismarck, ND; Darlene (Gary) Haskin, Fargo, ND; Doreen (Gene) Ottemoeller, Bismarck, ND; Donna (Bruce) Ellison, Bismarck, ND; Dora (John) Burns, Vadnais Heights, MN; Dan (Bernice) Becker, Spencer, WI; Darrell (Steph) Becker, Napoleon, ND; aunts and uncles, Pat (Norm) Toman, Ft. Collins, CO; Dale (Jackie) Heid, Grandbury, TX; Deb (Dane) Fuchs, New Salem, ND; Denise (Anthony) Laboto, Center, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.


She was preceded in death by her sister, Wendy Norton; grandparents, Bert Norton, Elmer and Donna Heid; brother-in-law, Darcy Rau.


Karen’s family suggests memorials to the God Child project or a charity of your choice.


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: April 6, 2011
Funeral Home Glen Ullin, ND

Funeral Mass: Wednesday; St. Pius V Catholic Church, New Salem, ND