Karen Ann Flim

Some people leave their mark through grand accomplishments. Others leave it through the quiet, faithful way they love the people around them. Karen Ann (Jacobson) Flim was one of those people.

Karen passed away on June 19, 2026, after a short illness, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply and a legacy built not on recognition, but on devotion—to her husband, her children, her faith, her friends, and the countless small acts of kindness that defined her life. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Albert Lea at 11AM with visitation to be held for an hour prior to the service. Reverend Mark Boorsma will be officiating.

Born on February 21, 1941, to Irvin and Agnes (Anderson) Jacobson, Karen grew up on the family farm near Clarks Grove alongside her brother Roger and sister Shirley. There she learned the values that would guide her entire life: humility, perseverance, generosity, and the importance of showing up for the people you love.

After graduating from Central High School in 1959, Karen married Darryl Flim on October 24 of that same year. Together they shared 66½ years of marriage—a partnership marked by unwavering loyalty, deep friendship, and enduring love. Through every season of life, they stood side by side, creating a home filled with laughter, support, and care. Together they raised three children: Duane, Michelle, and Jonathan.

Karen’s faith was woven into the fabric of her daily life. She was an active member of North Freeborn Lutheran Church until its closing in 2000 and later found a new church home at Ascension Lutheran Church. There she devoted her time to WELCA, Altar Guild, Bible study, and the service group. Whether serving her church community or delivering food pantry donations alongside Darryl to the Salvation Army, Karen quietly lived her faith through action.

Karen worked for 23 years at Wilson’s before finishing her career at Interstate Packaging. She approached her work the same way she approached everything else—with dedication, integrity, and a willingness to help wherever she was needed.

In retirement, Karen embraced life’s simple blessings. She and Darryl found joy in caring for their lawn, spending time with friends, and golfing together. One of her favorite accomplishments was scoring a hole-in-one at Oakview Golf Course at age 75—a story she and her family never tired of sharing.

Together, Karen and Darryl created adventures wherever the road took them. One trip began with little more than a destination—the Pacific Ocean—and a pair of golf clubs in the trunk. Along the way they discovered Depoe Bay, Oregon, a place that captured their hearts and called them back the following year for an extended stay. Those journeys reflected the spirit of their marriage: uncomplicated, joyful, and centered on being together.

Karen also loved cheering for her favorite teams. She faithfully followed the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, and University of Minnesota athletics, celebrating every triumph and enduring every heartbreak as only a true fan can.

Yet of all the roles Karen filled during her life, none meant more to her than being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She delighted in the lives of her family members, celebrated their accomplishments, worried about their struggles, and loved them without condition. Her greatest gift was making people feel cared for. She offered comfort without fanfare, support without expectation, and love without limits.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Darryl; children, Duane (Debbie) Flim, Michelle (Tom) Cardona, and Jonathan Flim; grandchildren, Antonio Cardona, Krista (Todd) Bell, Nicolas Cardona, and Daniel Cardona; great-grandchildren, Alex Titus, Kesi Titus, Tony Titus, Tanner Cardona, Violet Cardona, and Maxwell Cardona; and great-great-grandchildren, Oliver Reed and Evelynn Reed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Agnes Jacobson; daughter-in-law, Amy Wilson; parents-in-law, John and Sybil Flim; siblings, Roger (Jackie) Jacobson and Shirley (Gary) Vande Brake; and siblings-in-law, Alyce (Ralph) Randall and Helge (Marilyn) Flim.

The measure of a life is not found in the years alone, but in the love that remains when a person is gone. Karen’s love remains everywhere—in the family she nurtured, the friendships she cherished, the faith she lived, and the countless memories she leaves behind. Though she will be profoundly missed, those who knew and loved her carry a part of her with them always.

The service was live-streamed, and can be viewed below or from the following link: youtube.com/watch?v=LDUoXJj7ipk&feature=youtu.be