Karen Marie Saxhaug Walden

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Walden, Karen Marie Saxhaug On November 23, 2007, age 48, Karen, of Maple Grove, MN, died from complications associated with a rare type of T-cell lymphoma she has been fighting for 3½ years. Karen was born Karen Marie Saxhaug on September 29, 1959, in Virginia, Minnesota. In 1982, she graduated from the University of Minnesota and the Universidad of Seville, Spain with a degree in Spanish. Karen then attended Hamline University School of Law where she met her wonderful husband, Jim. After law school, Karen and Jim lived in the Washington D.C. area for 8 ½ years. Karen worked for the EEOC and the Alexandria, Virginia, Commonwealth Attorney's Office. After returning to Minnesota in 1994, Karen worked as an Assistant Anoka County Attorney, and raised three outstanding sons -- the joy of her life. Karen leaves behind her dear husband of 20 years, James; her sons, Derek (14), Jacob (11), and Samuel (9); parents, Vernon and Marlys Saxhaug of Virginia, MN; sisters, Sherry Coughlin (Jeff) of Aurora, MN; Deborah Saxhaug (Jack Carlson) of Eagan, MN; Mark Saxhaug, Bradford Saxhaug (Chris Jones) and Eric Saxhaug, all of Virginia, MN; fourteen nieces and nephews; parents-in-law, Bill and Abby Walden of Maple Grove, MN; sisters-in-law, Amy Walden Potvin (Peter) of Maple Grove, MN and Elizabeth Walden of Providence, RI; and brother-in-law, David Walden (Esmeralda) of San Francisco, CA. Karen fought a tough battle against a very rare cancer that typically takes lives within 12 months. And she saw Miracles all along the way of this journey. She especially thanks Dr. Stephen Ansell and all the others at the Mayo Clinic who helped in her fight to beat the odds. Thanks also to Caringbridge.org for helping her to stay in touch with others during this time. Finally, thanks to North Memorial Hospice Care for all their assistance. Please join her family in a celebration and farewell to her on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at 11:00 in the morning at Maple Grove Lutheran Church, 9251 Elm Creek Boulevard, Maple Grove, MN 55369. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. A private family inurnment will follow at a later date.

Published on November 24, 2007