Anderson, Karen Windland (Nielson) age 77, died Dec. 21, 2023 in Portland, OR. Formerly of Omaha, NE and Minnetonka, MN, she attended Omaha Central High School, Macalester College and U of M, and wrote for Minnesota Monthly, Minnetonka News, and owned a reservation service for B & B Inns. Karen & Jeff attended Unity Church in Golden Valley. Preceded in death by parents, Ralph E. Windland and Louise (Nielson) Windland. Survived by beloved husband of 53 years, Jeffrey C. Anderson, sister-in-law, Trudy (Tom) Eliopul, brothers-in- law, Rick (Marilyn) Anderson, Syd (Linda) Anderson, cousins, many friends and her cat, "Purrcilla". A Celebration of Life will be on July 26, 2024, at 1:00 PM (Pacific) at New Thought Center for Spiritual Living, Portland, OR. Arrangements by River View Cemetery Funeral Home. Guestbook: riverviewcemeteryfuneralhome.com

COMPLETE OBIT FOLLOWS:

Karen was born December 9, 1946, to Ralph and Louise Windland. She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from Omaha Central High School in 1965. She married her sweetheart, Jeffrey Anderson on June 20, 1970. They lived in Minnetonka, Minnesota in the home Jeff designed until 2008 when they relocated to Portland to enjoy the Oregon weather and coastline.

Graduating from Macalester College, St Paul, MN in 1969 with a degree in Social Studies, Karen taught for a short time at Highland Park High School. Discovering that teaching was not her “thing”, she became a buyer for Donaldson’s Department Store in downtown Minneapolis and enjoyed the fast-paced city life. She later was a caseworker for Hennepin County Family Services. While Jeff was designing buildings throughout the Twin Cities, Karen attended the University of Minnesota in 1984, earning a master’s degree in journalism. A gifted writer and editor, Karen freelanced for The Minnesota Monthly (a PBS publication), the Minnetonka news, and other area publications. Always a lover of travel and unique lodgings, she started a reservation business for Bed & Breakfast Inns across the United States. This was prior to the internet when travelers needed referrals and someone to vouch for the innkeepers.

Karen was fascinated by people and often asked journalistic-style questions to learn about their lives. She was a loyal friend, helping many in times of need, and believed in supporting refugees and those less fortunate. She enjoyed spending time with her cousins, keeping extended family connected with holiday greetings, and helped organize a memorable cousin’s reunion in 2007.

A deeply spiritual person, Karen longed for places and practices that brought her in touch with the source of creation and peacefulness. Personal relationships were her life’s blood; especially those with whom she could talk about life and its deeper meanings. Always seeking The Divine One in community, Karen and Jeff were members and devoted volunteers of Unity and Spiritual Living Centers in both Minnesota and Oregon.

Karen died on December 21, 2023, in Portland, Oregon, shortly after celebrating her 77th birthday in true princess style with her book-group friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph E. Windland and Louise (Nielson) Windland. She is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Jeffrey C. Anderson. She is also survived by her many loving cousins and friends, her sister-in-law, Trudy (Tom) Eliopul, brothers-in-law, Rick (Marilyn) Anderson, Syd (Linda) Anderson, and her cat, “Purrcilla”.

A Celebration of Life will be held at New Thought Center for Spiritual Living, 1040 C Avenue, Lake Oswego, OR, 97034, on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PDT). In lieu of flowers or sympathy cards, please consider a memorial donation directly to:  Oregon Public Broadcasting (opb.or), Alight (formerly American Refugee Committee) (wearalight.org), or, the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org).  Sign the online guest book at:  riverviewcemeteryfuneralhome.com/obituaries/…

Published on June 23, 2024