Karen Ann Dekko, of Huntsville, AL, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021. Karen was born in Ada, Minnesota, to Norwegian parents, Clara and Edward Dekko. The youngest of seven children, Karen was preceded in death by her brothers, Chet and Stanton Dekko; sisters, Adeline Bernhardson, Bunny Sullivan, and Sherry Samuelson. She is survived by her sister, Evie Bang; three children, Brian Paulus (Angie), Craig Paulus (Lisa), and Leslie Sharpe (Antony), all of Huntsville, AL. Karen was beloved “Grandma Dekko” to her nine grandchildren, Peyton and Reagan Paulus, Brennan, Grayson, Jensen, and Clara Paulus, and Haley, Julia, and Ian Sharpe. She was also a very special “Auntie Karen” to many, many nieces and nephews.
Karen treasured her childhood memories of growing up in Ada and credited her Lutheran-Norwegian heritage with instilling her with a keen awareness of the needs of others. She was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for fifty years and a Sunday school teacher for 35 years. Children were of the utmost importance to her and she gave generously to support education, music, and the arts. She served numerous community and charitable organizations, including Huntsville Community Ballet, Girls Incorporated, Lincoln Village, NCAC, the Mental Health Association of Madison County, the Huntsville Youth Orchestra, the Huntsville Symphony Guild, and the Huntsville Museum of Art Guild. Karen loved animals and cherished her horse farm, Nordic Thoroughbreds. Her bright outlook and strength of faith never diminished.
This loss will be felt by countless people, especially her beloved family. Karen was a wonderful mom, grandma, and friend whose love and support was immense and invaluable. She truly touched so many lives with her spunky, can-do attitude, kind words, and heartfelt concern for others. We have lost a very special lady who brightened the world by her presence.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Children’s Advocacy Center, 210 Pratt Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801.
Huntsville Service Information: 4:00 PM, Friday, April 2, 2021, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Huntsville, AL.
Ada Service Information: Karen will be buried beside her parents in a graveside service to be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at the Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN, with Pastor Jack Carlson officiating.
