Karen Courtney

Monday, July 9, 2018 1:09 pm

Karen Courtney, 55, of Decorah, died Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. Services were at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 12, at Big Canoe Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Rev. Kurt Bockoven officiating. Organist was Kathryn Thompson. Soloist was Mary Arneson (“I Can Only Imagine” and “The Lord’s Prayer). Hymns were “Here I Am, Lord” and “On Eagle’s Wings.” Casket bearers were Ross Ryan, Reid Ryan, Randy Hageman, Russell Hageman, Morgen Gavle, Blake Holthaus and Kory Courtney. Burial was at Big Canoe Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.

Karen Lynne (Gavle) Courtney was born July 17, 1962, the daughter of Burton “Bud” and Kathryn (Heier) Gavle in Decorah. Karen grew up on her family farm and loved every minute of the farm life. She always had fond memories from her childhood on the farm with her siblings, relatives and neighbors. She graduated from Decorah High School in 1980. Karen attended NICC in Calmar, where she completed the secretarial program. Karen continued to stay at NICC after graduating and worked for 36 years as the student services administrative assistant. She loved her job, the school, her co-workers and the students. She went above and beyond for the students and cared for each student. She married Brian Courtney Nov. 25, 1989, at the Big Canoe Lutheran Church in Highlandville. Brian and Karen lived in Decorah. Anyone you ask would tell you Karen had a heart of gold, was patient, kind and loved all her children dearly. She would do anything and everything for anyone. Her family was the most important thing to her and she cherished every minute with her family. She recently took a trip with her dad and Emma to visit her uncle out in Idaho. She never missed a birthday and always remembered to send a “thank you” card. Karen loved seeing plays and musicals; Chanhassen Dinner Theatre was one of her favorite summer trips she enjoyed.

Karen is survived by her husband, Brian Courtney, Decorah; children: Katie (Justin) Casterton, Decorah; Chad Courtney, Decorah; James (Amber) Courtney, Archer; and Kristofor Courtney, Calmar; grandchildren: Soon-to-be Baby Casterton in August, Trey, Madyson and Clare Courtney; Makayla and Anthony Courtney; father, Burton “Bud” (friend, Emma) Gavle; sister, Debra (Randy) Ryan, Ankeny; brothers, Nels Gavle, Decorah and Mark (Wendy Selness) Gavle, Decorah; sisters-in-law, Mary (Matt) Hemesath, Ridgeway and Kwang Courtney, Rushford, Minn.; brothers-in-law, Patrick (Sandra) Courtney, Colton, Ore. and Kelly (Carrie) Courtney, Decorah; along with many nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother, Kathryn (Heier) Gavle; son, Anthony Courtney; father and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Ruth (Boland) Courtney; brother-in-law, Kevin Courtney.