Karen Lelm, age 50 of Turtle Lake, ND died Friday, March 27, 2009 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Turtle Lake following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral Services: 2:00 PM Tuesday, March 31, 2009;
Trinity Lutheran Church - Turtle Lake;
Pastor Betty J. Stedman, Officiating.

Interment: Turtle Lake Cemetery

Visitation: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church;
Tuesday, one hour prior to time of service.

Karen was born in Lodi, CA on September 24, 1958, the daughter of Marvin & Clarice (Ockert) Hofer. She grew up in Turtle Lake and graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1976. Karen married Leslie "Les" Lelm on June 3, 1977 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake. They made their home on a farm north of Turtle Lake, near Butte, ND, where they raised two children, Ryan & Brittany. Karen enjoyed working with Dr. Reiswig in Turtle Lake for many years, assisting in many baby deliveries, which she grew to love and appreciate. She has been a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church and has served on the West River Telephone Board of Directors since February 2000. Karen enjoyed shopping with Brittany, playing with her kitties, and loved to attend sporting events. She also enjoyed playing softball and holds the highest recorded score in Turtle Lake bowling league history, with a score of "290". Karen loved her family dearly and valued her time with friends and family. Her strength and courage during her valiant fight with cancer has inspired many and her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of many people.

She is survived by her husband, Les Lelm of Turtle Lake; son, Ryan and fiancé Brandi Glaspey of Butte, ND; daughter, Brittany and special friend T.J. Sathren of Turtle Lake; her parents, Marvin & Clarice Hofer of Turtle Lake; two sisters, Gayle (Tom) Redmond and Connie (Bruce) Neumiller, both of Turtle Lake; mother-in-law, Ramona Lelm of Turtle Lake; one sister-in-law, Norma (Wayne) Schaner of Center, ND; nieces, Sonja Redmond & Carmen Maier of Bismarck; nephew, Mitch (Stacy) Neumiller of Bismarck; great nieces, Cadence Maier, Peyton, Kambree, & Reagan Neumiller; & one great nephew, Redik Glaser.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents (Jacob & Leontina Hofer, Martin & Agnes Ockert), and father-in-law (Orlin Lelm).