Obituary of Karen Ann Royse

Karen Ann Royse, 84, of Superior, passed away September 5, 2017, at REM Centennial Home, Superior, WI of complications associated with Alzheimer's disease and COPD. She is now in heaven eating chocolates, having a 'treat' and singing her favorite Norwegian folk song. She was born in Duluth, MN on December 10, 1932 to Lawrence and Bonita (Bergeron) Gillen. Karen graduated from Denfeld High School in 1951. She was a partner in both the Trio and Joker's Wild Taverns in Superior. In her younger years Karen was a softball player and bowler. In later years, a formidable pool player, avid crossword puzzler and enjoyed playing cribbage, Yahtzee and 6-5-4. Karen loved her Minnesota Vikings and would often lead those around her in a cheer. Her talents as a cross- stitcher left many with beautiful creations on t-shirts, sweatshirts and framed art work. She loved spending the summer at the camper at Birch Grove Resort in Iron River prior to Bob's death and at the cabin in Barnes, WI thereafter. Karen was predeceased by her husband Robert L. Royse in January 2012 after 37 years of marriage, her parents, nephew Tom Gillen and fury friends Brandy and Simon. Karen is survived by daughters Cindy (Jim Freese) Holm and Kim (Doug Shykes) Bleskan, Superior; son Pat Nord, Tucson, AZ; grandchildren Jillian (Jason Williams) Holm, Springfield, OR, Kati (Kevin) Ruhnke, Esko, MN, and Cole (Kristy LaRue) Bleskan of Superior; brother Dick (Sissy Abbott) Gillen, Duluth; nieces Teri (Scott) Wallene, Las Cruces, NM and Laurie (Frank) Fudally, Superior. Per Karen's wishes, no services will be held.