Obituary: Karen Harford

Karen Harford, age 54, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, August 7, 2016 in the Sanford Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD.

Karen M. Bolden, was born December 16, 1961, in Madison, MN, to parents Carl and Vivian Bolden. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, at Garfield Lutheran Church, rural Madison, MN. She attended school at Madison Public School where she graduated in 1980. Karen then attended Willmar Vo-Tech College, graduating in 1982.

After graduation, Karen worked at the Deuel County Memorial Hospital, in the Business Office. She then went to work as secretary for the Gunderson, Evenson, and Boyd Law Firm in Clear Lake. In 2011, Karen became the Finance Officer for the City of Clear Lake, where she was currently employed.

On August 30, 1986, Karen was united in marriage to Steven D. Harford, at Garfield Lutheran Church, Madison, MN. To this union, two special sons were born: Tyler and Travis.

Karen was a member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, SD, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, chairperson in the Patience Circle and other various capacities. She had been a Notary Public, and has attended numerous finance officer/municipal league conferences.

Karen’s most cherished past time was spending time with family and friends, celebrating birthdays, special events, and hosting many holidays at her and Steve’s home. Karen passed away Sunday, August 7, 2016 in the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 54 years, 7 months and 22 days.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 30 years, Steve; sons, Tyler and Travis, Sioux Falls; mother, Vivian Bolden, Madison, MN; sister, Arlene and husband Dan Miland, Janesville, WI; brother, Mark and wife Barb Bolden, Clear Lake. She is also survived by father and mother-in-law, Wayne and Bonnie Harford, Rapid City; sister-in-law, Becky Bender and special friend, Gene Mason, Rapid City; brother-in-law, Russ and Col Harford, Chadron, NE; sister-in-law, Chris and husband James Finney, Baton Rouge, LA, and numerous nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her father, Carl Bolden; sister, Debbie Bolden; brother, Bradley Bolden; as well as maternal and paternal grandparents; and a special uncle, Richard Zick.