Karen graduated from Pocatello High School then attended Weber State University.
Karen married Lloyd Dale Thorsted on May 3, 1963, in the Idaho Falls LDS temple.
Karen was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the Relief Society and Young Women programs.
Karen also served four missions with her spouse, one to Nebraska and two to Palmyra, New York and at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Karen was a dedicated temple worker having worked in both the Ogden and Brigham temples.
Karen loved to bake and sew for her family. Karen loved to play games with her family and brought much laughter and fun into her home. Karen was a wonderful friend to many and was a great example to her family through her service and faith.
Karen is survived by her husband Lloyd, Tremonton; Michelle (Michael) Beach, Virginia; Dona (Thomas) Connor, Washington; Stephanie (Cavin) Hill, Texas; Robert (Robyn) Thorsted, Honeyville; Troy (Shelly) Thorsted, Tremonton; 21 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Four brothers, David (Pal) Andersen, Logan; William (Lois) Andersen, Arizona; Larry Andersen, Logan; and Kevin (Cheryl) Andersen, Idaho; one sister Julienne (Mark) Wasem, North Dakota.
Karen was preceded in death by one son, Brandon; a sister, Janice; and her parents and a sister in law, Tammy Andersen.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, at the Tremonton Stake Center, 660 N 300 E, Tremonton.
A viewing will be held at Gillies Funeral Chapel, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a short viewing before the funeral from 10 to 10:40 a.m.
Interment will be in the Honeyville Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gfc-utah.com.