Marilyn Irene Karras, age 90, of River Falls, Wis, died peacefully surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024.
She was born in Oak Grove Township on May 31, 1934, the daughter of Douglas and Irene Johnson. She grew up on the family farm, outside of River Falls and graduated from River Falls High School in 1952.
She married her husband of 54 years, John Karras, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. Together they were blessed with six children. Throughout her life, she had successful careers in Avon and the insurance industry. Sales were her passion and she received many awards over the years. Her interests included golfing, playing Bridge, Euchre, and Bingo with family and friends, also traveling. She was very active in a women’s and couple’s golf league and enjoyed many golfing trips with their friends. Many Saturday nights were spent playing Bridge and Euchre.
Family celebrations always included playing Euchre for hours. The grandchildren enjoyed and will always remember the fun times playing games and spending time with Grandma. The great-grandchildren adored her and will miss game times, too. Her deep love for family and faith was an inspiration to many.
Marilyn was a beautiful, classy lady with a sweet smile and a warm, caring heart who touched the lives of so many. Her legacy and presence will be cherished always and forever.
Marilyn will forever remain in the hearts of her children and grandchildren; Nancy (Ric) Pace, Kathy (Randy) Morrow, Jim (Peg) Karras, Ron (Karen) Karras, Monica (Brad) Jensen, Joe (Nicole) Karras; grandchildren Kelly, Ryan, Justin, Shalyn, Maddie, Morgan, Mitch, Justin, Jenna, Josh, Parker, Alicia, Zachary, Jordan; great-grandchildren, Greysyn, Breckyn, Leytyn, Ella, Madisyn, Knox, Elise, Paola, Alejo, Rowan, Grace, Noah, Kye, Mia, Lilyana, Michael, Brooklyn, AJ, Violet, Hazel, Charlee, Porter, Preslee, Goldee; great great-grandchildren; Izabella, Gabriela; sisters, Marlys (Leo) Karras and Darlene Arndt; brother, Jerry (Jean) Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents Douglas and Irene Johnson, husband John, grandson Brandan Jensen and Kirsten Morrow.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in her honor on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at 4 p.m. at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 211 East Division St., River Falls, WI. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. until the start of Mass. Burial will follow at St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery.
The Pallbearers will be: Justin Morrow, Mitch Karras, Ryan Pace, Jordan Karras, Justin Karras, Josh Jensen, Parker Jensen, Shalyn Nygaard, Alicia Kleinbrook, Kelly Lind, Jenna Karras, Zachary Karras, Maddie Schinke, and Morgan Larson.
Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For further details, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.
